Ink Drawing of Bodhidharma

This ink drawing of Bodhidharma is said to have been painted by Eshin Sōzu (Genshin, 942-1017), who preached the Jōdo sect during the Heian period and wrote “Ōjōyōshū” and other works.
This ink drawing of Bodhidharma depicts a large face and differs from the Japanese style of portraying Dharma. Its style is thought to have emerged during that time because it bears similarities to Western-style paintings that came to be painted during the influx of Western culture in the 16th century.

The inscription reads from the left side, facing Dharma. The first line is based on an anecdote between Dharma and Emperor Wu of Liang Dynasty. Subsequent inscriptions compare Zen teachings to the dusty world, emphasizing that they cannot fully save you and are only halfway there (but they will bear fruit). The content of this verse appears to be similar to that of the Dharma transmission verse.