Japanese Zen Buddhist Watercolor

Undoubtedly the most popular disciple of Buddha for artistic portrayal was the Japanese monk Daruma, most likely because the extremities of his devotion lent itself easily to ludicrous interpretation. Here, however, is a more eerie aspect of the legend: the reappearance of the aesthete some years after his death when he was seen in the western mountains of China, to whom he had introduced Zen Buddhism, traveling towards India, barefoot with one sandal in his right hand. This finely detailed watercolor was executed in the Zen style with masterly control, probably during the first years of the Nineteenth Century, and is signed by the artist and stamped with his seal-name in the form of a stylized elephant. The painting itself, approximately 17 by 11 inches, has been given full conservation treatment: de-acidified and remounted on acid-free Japanese paper, and framed in rare padouk wood with a hand-wrapped silk mat, the overall size being approximately 25 by 18-1/2 inches. The condition of the work is excellent with only a small bit of paper missing in the upper left-hand corner. Please note that, probably due to the nature of the conservation glass, the photographs do not show the watercolor well. The colors are fresh and the details very clear. As with all our merchandise, we guarantee our descriptions to be as accurate as possible, and will gladly refund the purchase price if you are not satisfied. .