White-Glazed Bodhidharma Statue by the Dehua Kiln - View 2

Wearing a kasaya (monastic robe), the Bodhidharma has a wide forehead and curly hair. He frowns as he looks down. He folds his arms in his sleeves and stands bare-foot upon turbulent waves. His clothes appear to flap in a strong wind. The body of the sculpture is covered with a thick ivory glaze. Made with a distinct technique, his clothes are graceful and smooth. The waves are realistic with a sense of motion. The back of the statue is engraved with four characters in intaglio that are translated as "Made by He Chaozong".
The ceramic figures fired by the Dehua Kiln during the Ming dynasty have long enjoyed an esteemed reputation, especially those with the artisan mark of He Chaozong. This figure was crafted with a delicate technique. The smooth lines and lustrous texture of the white glaze depict the image of the eminent monk who propagated Buddhism overseas.

detail of item (craftsman's mark)