In my Flying Dragons series, today, I want to introduce you to Unryū-zu, the Dragon among clouds, another mural from Ryōan-ji although I’m not sure this one is available to the public (I didn’t see it).
This painting is attributed to Min Chō (1352-1431) a Zen monk who also was a painter.
A few words about him. Born on Awajishima, in the Seto Inland Sea, he was called Kichizan by his master Daidō Ichii, under whom he studied at Tōfuku-ji in Kyōto. He was also called Hasōai (worn sandal).
He worked as a Densu (superintendent of the Buddha Room in the temple) for many years, which gave him the name Chō Densu. Combining his Zen learnings to a great interest in painting, he made himself renowned for his paintings of Kannon Bodhisattva, of the Arhats and of the Zen Ancestors. His most famous work is the Nehan-zu (painting of Buddha attaining the Nirvana) at Tōfuku-ji.
(sources : leaflet coming with the reproduction of the painting)
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That is one awesome looking dragon.
I’m interested to know why Min Cho is also called “worn sandal”.
I’d like to know too, unfortunately, the leaflet that came with this reproduction didn’t tell.
Maybe he walked a lot. 😉