Portrait of Daruma 1600 - 1633

Curator: This is a portrait of Daruma, created sometime between 1600 and 1633 by Fūgai Ekun. It's an ink painting on paper, currently housed here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: He looks like he's seen something absolutely dreadful! The eyes… they tell a story of intense, almost unbearable concentration. The minimalist style is deceptive; it’s deeply evocative. Curator: Indeed. Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, is a recurring figure in East Asian art. His image served both religious and cultural purposes. Paintings such as this weren't just artistic endeavors. They were powerful objects intended to inspire focus and resilience. Editor: And the brushstrokes themselves, particularly in the beard and the robe… they're so free, so confident! There’s a real energy in the application of the ink. Almost as if the artist channelled Daruma’s very spirit. I’m reminded that sometimes a single glance conveys an ocean of meaning. Curator: Exactly. The inscription above Daruma adds layers to the interpretation. Calligraphy was very important. And while a literal translation may reveal insights, its presence speaks volumes about the artist's skill and the artwork’s status in the broader cultural context. Editor: You know, I keep returning to his expression. He is at peace...maybe. He might have had to face unimaginable demons, inner or outer, to achieve it. It's haunting and inspiring. I think that is a story in itself: facing hardship and maintaining that sense of centeredness. Curator: Certainly, Fūgai Ekun’s portrait provides a glimpse into the visual culture and religious practices of the time. It allows us to reflect on the endurance of Zen Buddhism’s influence and, also, art’s role in disseminating values. Editor: Absolutely. This piece definitely reminds you to embrace whatever you are presented with. There is beauty, struggle, and inspiration. What else could you ask for?