Large Chinese Carved Hardwood Figure of Bodhidharma (Damo) – Late 19th Century, 85 cm
€ 2.800,00
An imposing late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure of Bodhidharma (Damo), the legendary Buddhist monk traditionally credited with transmitting Chan Buddhism to China. Standing approximately 85 cm high, the sculpture depicts Damo as a powerful, expressive figure carrying his travelling possessions, executed with deeply carved robes, strongly modelled features and a rich, naturally aged surface.
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A substantial Chinese carved hardwood sculpture representing Bodhidharma, known in China as Damo (达摩), dating to the late 19th century.
Bodhidharma is traditionally regarded as the Indian or Central Asian monk who transmitted the teachings that developed into Chan Buddhism, later known in Japan as Zen. Chinese representations characteristically emphasize his foreign appearance through an intense expression, prominent eyebrows, beard and strongly modelled facial features—all particularly evident in this sculpture.
The figure is shown standing beneath the weight of his travelling possessions, with voluminous robes falling in broad, deeply undercut folds. Particularly attractive details include the expressive treatment of the face and beard, the carefully articulated hands and feet, the woven basket or container at the base, and the large circular object carried across the back, its surface carved with a radiating geometric pattern.
The carving combines areas of remarkably smooth modelling with vigorous, almost sculptural cutting around the hair, beard and upper luggage. Its considerable 85 cm height gives the figure an architectural presence uncommon to smaller scholar’s carvings.
The hardwood has developed a deep reddish-brown surface with warm variations in tone and visible signs of age. Fine shrinkage cracks, surface wear and other irregularities are present throughout, consistent with the age and substantial solid-wood construction of the sculpture. These have been left visible rather than disguised and form part of the object’s historical character.
A visually commanding example of late Qing-period Chinese Buddhist decorative sculpture.
Condition
Good antique condition with a well-developed aged surface. Numerous age-related drying and shrinkage cracks are visible throughout the solid hardwood, particularly to the head, torso, robes and accessories, together with surface wear, minor losses and old marks. The uppermost element shows irregularity/loss. Please refer closely to the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
Technical Details
Origin: China
Period: Late Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
Date: Circa 1880–1900
Subject: Bodhidharma / Damo
Material: Carved dark hardwood, probably rosewood/palisander-type wood
Height: Approx. 85 cm
Technique: Hand carved
Condition: Antique condition with age-related cracks, wear and minor losses
| Condition | Good |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
| Origin | China |
| Period | 1850-1900 |
| Style | Qing Dynasty |
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