Daruma (Bodhidharma)
Japonista Dictionary › Patriarchs
Daruma (達磨), Bodhidharma, was the Indian monk who, by tradition, carried the meditation school of Buddhism to China around the turn of the sixth century and became the first patriarch of Chan, known in Japan as Zen. His fierce, bearded face is the most painted subject in Zen art, and his image as a round, legless doll is one of Japan's best-loved charms.
| Japanese |
達磨, Daruma; Bodaidaruma |
| Sanskrit |
Bodhidharma |
| Recognise by |
A heavy-browed, bearded monk in a red robe pulled over the head, staring with great intensity |
| Role |
First patriarch of Zen |
The legend
Daruma is said to have sat facing the wall of a cave near the Shaolin monastery for nine years without moving, until his legs withered away. When an earnest disciple, Huike, could not win his attention, he cut off his own arm to show his resolve. The scene, painted by the great Sesshū in 1496, is a masterpiece of Japanese ink painting. Legend also says that Daruma cut off his eyelids to stay awake, and that the first tea plants grew where they fell.
Daruma in Zen painting
Zen monks painted Daruma as an act of practice: a few bold strokes for the robe, a ferocious stare, sometimes an inscription such as "Point directly at the mind; see your nature and become a Buddha." The eighteenth-century master Hakuin painted him hundreds of times, from vast red-robed portraits to quick sketches. See Zenga.
The Daruma doll
The round papier-mâché doll, weighted to right itself when knocked over, stands for perseverance: "fall seven times, rise eight." Its eyes are left blank; the owner paints in one eye when making a wish and the other when it comes true. The city of Takasaki is famous for its red Daruma, sold at a great New Year market.
Collecting notes
- Ink paintings of Daruma by Zen monks range from accessible temple works to masterpieces by Hakuin and his circle. Inscriptions and seals are key.
- Old Daruma dolls, regional variants and carved Daruma are a lively folk art field.
In the collection
Search the collection for Daruma and read Maneki-neko, Daruma and Japan's good-luck charms. Our collector concierge can search Japan for Daruma paintings.
See also
