Introduction to the Artist and His Style

Unkoku Tōgan (1547–1618) was a Japanese painter born into a privileged family in Nagasaki. He began his artistic journey as an artist of the Kanō school, but soon found inspiration in the style of Sesshu. His work is characterized by realistic landscapes, usually painted in ink on paper. Tōgan served Lord Mori of Yamaguchi Prefecture and later became a Buddhist priest and abbot of Unkoku-an Temple.

The Painting: Portrait of Daruma

Portrait of Daruma (View the painting on ArtsDot.com) is a powerful representation of Daruma, the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of the Sanskrit Bodhidharma. Born in India in the 6th century A.D., Daruma is recognized as the first patriarch of Chan (Japanese: Zen) Buddhism in China.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The full-profile presentation of Daruma in this painting is somewhat uncommon, with precedents existing in surviving works attributed to Sesshū and his celebrated Chinese predecessor Muqi (active until 1279). The outline of the cranium, from the back of the neck to the curve of the nostril, is skillfully rendered in a single modulated stroke—a trademark of many later ink renditions of the monk by other artists.

Unkoku Tōgan's Legacy and Influence

Tōgan was an artist trained in the Kano atelier who positioned himself as an heir to the legacy of Chinese ink painting in the style of Tōyō Sesshū (1420–1506). His work reflects the priorities of Zen monastic life, which were devoted to simple, quotidian tasks and religious training.

Conclusion

Portrait of Daruma by Unkoku Tōgan is a profound expression of Zen Buddhism, showcasing the artist's mastery of ink painting and deep understanding of the religion's principles. To learn more about this remarkable piece or to explore other works by Unkoku Tōgan, visit The Zen Art Movement page on ArtsDot.com.

• Sources:
  • Unkoku Tōgan | Portrait of Daruma | Japan | Momoyama Period, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, View on metmuseum.org
  • Unkoku Tōgan | Pretty as a hand-painted picture, ArtsDot.com, View on ArtsDot.com