Bodhidharma (Daruma) Playing a Shamisen

Bodhidharma (Daruma) Playing a Shamisen

The painting titled Bodhidharma (Daruma) Playing a Shamisen by Hanabusa Itchō is an intriguing work created using ink and color on paper. Hanabusa Itchō, born in 1652, was a prominent Japanese painter known for his unique style that blended traditional Japanese themes with elements of humor and satire. This particular work reflects Itchō's ability to infuse a sense of playfulness into his depiction of Bodhidharma, a revered Buddhist monk, by portraying him engaging in the unexpected act of playing a shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument. The painting exemplifies Itchō's skill in combining fine brushwork with a lighthearted narrative, contributing to the Edo period's rich tapestry of artistic expression. Itchō's works are significant for their departure from the rigid formalism of earlier Japanese art, offering a more personal and expressive approach. His influence is evident in the way subsequent artists embraced more diverse and individualistic styles.

The painting "Bodhidharma (Daruma) Playing a Shamisen" by Hanabusa Itchō is an ink and color work on paper that depicts the legendary Buddhist monk Bodhidharma engaging with a shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument. The artwork reflects the Edo period's interest in Zen Buddhism and its playful, often humorous portrayal of religious figures, characteristic of Hanabusa Itchō's style.