Bodhidharma crossing the Yangzi River on a reed 1271 - 1316

Li Yaofu's ink on paper hanging scroll depicts Bodhidharma crossing the Yangzi River on a reed. During the Yuan Dynasty, when Li Yaofu painted this piece, artists navigated a complex identity. Many, like Li, were scholar-officials who found themselves marginalized under Mongol rule, turning to art as a form of cultural and personal expression. Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, becomes a potent symbol of spiritual transcendence and resilience amidst political turmoil. The delicate ink washes and sparse composition evoke a sense of ethereal calm, but consider the undercurrent of defiance in choosing this subject. By depicting Bodhidharma's legendary crossing, Li subtly nods to the idea of overcoming obstacles. It invites contemplation on inner strength and the search for meaning during times of cultural change. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of resistance and the pursuit of enlightenment can find expression in the simplest of forms.