Bodhidharma

Dimensions
90.0cm x 33.0cm

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Collectible Description

Witness Unkoku Tōgan’s serene 'Bodhidharma' – a masterful 1601 ink wash painting embodying Zen philosophy. Explore minimalist composition & profound spirituality in this iconic Japanese artwork.

Artist Biography

Discover Unkoku Togan (1547-1618), a Japanese master of serene landscapes & spiritual themes, blending Kanō & Sesshu styles. Explore his iconic ink wash paintings at ArtsDot.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

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Order your painting in four simple steps

Take your time. You can change any answer; the price in your order card follows each choice.

1 Step one of four

Which size would you like?

These sizes keep the proportions of the original painting. The drawing shows your choice on a wall, above a two-metre sofa.

Your painting: () — with its frame.

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Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.

2 Step two of four

How should it be prepared: rolled, stretched or framed?

The prices below are for the size you chose in step one.

Choose the edges of the stretched canvas

Choose your frame

Corner sample of the WhiteWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
White $1
Corner sample of the BlurSideWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Blurside $1
Corner sample of the ExtendedWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Extended $1
Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118H $10
Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118W $10
Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P438Z $10
Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508JH $12
Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508YH $12
Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805H $10
Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805Z $10
Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919BZ $10
Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919G $10
Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919XJ $10
Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P959ZH $10
Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick
P968JZ $12
Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W953PJ $8
Corner sample of the H24-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-GOLD $30
Corner sample of the H24-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-SILVER $30
Corner sample of the H36-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-GOLD $45
Corner sample of the H36-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-SILVER $45
Frame preview
Framed

Moulding: . Overall size with the frame: .

3 Step three of four

Would you like anything changed in the painting?

Most people answer no. Because each painting is made by hand, our artist can also adapt it for you.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

4 Step four of four

A few finishing options

All of them are optional. The answers already selected cost nothing extra.

Who paints it?

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (7 November). No compromise on quality.

A nameplate, as in a museum?

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

A protective varnish?

When do you need it?

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Your painting, as you ordered it

Bodhidharma

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

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Reproduction Frame

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For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

  • All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.

  • Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.

  • Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

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Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

-

Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (7 November). No compromise on quality.

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Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (14 November).

Included

Total Price

$ 263

Total Price $ 263

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Included with every order

  • Free Worldwide Express Shipping
  • High-Quality Linen Canvas
  • Full Shipping Insurance
  • Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
  • True Color Matching Guarantee
  • 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
  • 100% Money-Back Guarantee
  • Bulk Discount Offer

The Artist: Unkoku Tōgan

Unkoku Tōgan (1547–1618) was a Japanese painter born into a privileged family in Nagasaki. He began his artistic career in the studio of Kano Shōei before turning to the works of Sesshū Tōyō, becoming one of the most admired ink painters of the Momoyama period.

The Painting: Bodhidharma

This imagined portrait by Unkoku Tōgan depicts Daruma (Sanskrit: Bodhidharma), the monk credited with transmitting Chan Buddhism from India to China in the fifth century. The painting, ink on paper, showcases Tōgan's mastery of minimalist composition and expressiveness, reflecting Zen beliefs in direct experience and rejection of superfluous ornamentation.

Historical Context

The Zen art movement, influenced by Sarvastivada meditation practice, Mahayana thought, Madhyamaka thought, and Taoist philosophy, emphasizes meditation, intuition, simplicity, and expressiveness. The Suiboku ga art movement, a type of Chinese ink brush painting, emerged during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and overturned earlier, more realistic techniques. It is typically monochrome, using only shades of black, with great emphasis on virtuoso brushwork and conveying the perceived "spirit" or "essence" of a subject.

Ink Wash Painting

Wash, a visual arts technique resulting in a semi-transparent layer of color, is often applied in combination with drawing, creating pen and wash, wash drawing, or ink and wash. The classic East Asian tradition of ink wash painting uses black ink in various levels of dilution, historically associated with Zen art.

Zen Art Today

Today, Zen art continues to inspire artists and collectors worldwide. Museums such as the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Metropolitan Museum of Art feature extensive collections of Zen art, showcasing its enduring appeal and relevance. Discover our hand-made oil painting reproductions of Unkoku Tōgan's 'Bodhidharma' at ArtsDot.com. Experience the profound and enduring vision of reality embodied in this masterpiece. Sources:

Questions & Answers

In which year and which movement was "Bodhidharma" made?

"Bodhidharma" was made in 601, within the Zen Art Movement movement.

How saturated is the palette of "Bodhidharma"?

The palette of "Bodhidharma" is subtle color in saturation.

In which movement and which era is "Bodhidharma" by Unkoku Togan placed?

In "Bodhidharma" by Unkoku Togan, the Zen Art Movement movement meets the Renaissance era.

Unkoku Togan

Unkoku Togan

1547 - 1618, Japan

Artist Biography

Unkoku Tōgan: A Life Dedicated to Landscape and Spirituality

  • Born: Nagasaki, Japan (1547)
  • Died: 1618

Unkoku Tōgan, born in 1547, stands as a significant figure in Japanese art history, renowned for his realistic landscapes and the profound spirituality interwoven within his works. Born into privilege as the second son of Hara Naoie, lord of Nokomi Castle in Hizen province, Nagasaki provided the backdrop to his early life and artistic development.

Early Training and Artistic Development

Tōgan’s initial training occurred within the esteemed Kanō school, a dominant force in Japanese art during that era. However, he soon transcended this foundation, drawing significant inspiration from the celebrated painter Sesshū Tōsai. This influence is evident in his signature style – paintings primarily executed using ink on paper, depicting strikingly realistic landscapes. He initially worked under Lord Mori of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Artistic Style and Notable Works

Unkoku Tōgan’s artistic hallmark lies in his bold brushstrokes and the vibrant colors he employed, a departure from traditional Japanese art styles. His landscapes weren't merely depictions of scenery; they conveyed a sense of depth and realism rarely seen at the time. Some of his most recognized works include:

  • Screen Depicting Landscape, People, Flowers, and Birds: Currently housed at the Iwami Art Museum, this piece exemplifies his ability to integrate various elements into a cohesive and captivating scene.
  • Bodhidharma: A masterful 1601 ink wash painting embodying Zen philosophy, showcasing minimalist composition and profound spirituality.
  • Priest Xianzi: Demonstrates his skill in portraiture alongside landscape artistry.

Beyond Painting: Buddhist Life and Spiritual Influence

Tōgan’s life extended beyond the realm of painting. He embraced a spiritual path, becoming a Buddhist priest and abbot of Unkoku-an Temple. This experience profoundly shaped his artistic vision, imbuing his works with themes of nature and spirituality. His paintings often reflect a deep connection to the natural world and an understanding of Zen principles.

Legacy and Influence

Unkoku Tōgan’s influence resonated throughout Japanese art history. While rooted in the Kanō school, he forged his own distinct style that inspired subsequent generations of artists. Notable figures who drew inspiration from his work include:

  • Kano Sansetsu
  • Kanō Eitoku

His paintings are housed in prestigious institutions such as the Museum Menard Art Museum, highlighting his enduring importance within Japanese cultural heritage. His artistic style and legacy continue to be studied by art historians and scholars today.