Standing Bodhidharma, Dehua Ware

The curly-bearded Bodhidharma (?-528) is standing on the vast sea, his left foot exposed, the hem of his kasaya flying in the wind. His perceptive eyes are gazing into the distance, while one hand is cupped in the other before his chest, in a gesture of respect.
The statuette of Bodhidharma is covered with bright white glaze. The smooth intensity of the monochrome finish augments the extraordinary spirit of Bodhidharma.
Dehua ceramic statuettes carry on the style starting from the third century. Based on aesthetic judgment, the sculptor created Buddhist figures through a hybrid of spirituality and amiable human qualities that makes the sculpture awe-inspiring but not frightening.
The Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma traveled to preach in China in 520. He spent nine years in contemplation at Shaolin Monastery in central China’s Henan province. During his religious practice, he had a disciple Hui Ke (487-593), who then established the Chan School (Meditative Sect) in China.