Damo Crossing the Water on a Reed
Dateearly 17th century
PeriodMing dynasty (1368–1644)
MediumDehua ware; porcelain with transparent glaze
DimensionsOVERALL: 11 1/4 × 4 7/16 × 3 1/2 in. (28.6 × 11.3 × 8.9 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.87
The Indian monk Damo, Bodhidharma in Sanskrit, is credited with introducing the Meditation (Chan) school of Buddhism to China in the sixth century. Damo wears a stern expression, tucking his hands into his heavy robes, as he crosses the Yangzi River riding a reed. This image refers to one of many stories surrounding Damo’s efforts in spreading Chan practice, which emphasizes meditation as the truest path to enlightenment. After crossing the river, he resided at a monastery on Mount Song, where he is said to have spent nine years in meditation.
On View
On viewLocation
- Center for Asian Art, 3rd floor, Lobby, Case A
19th Century
early 17th century
17th century
17th century
17th century
17th century
17th century
early 18th Century
17th century
18th century