Dharma 18th-19th century

This image of Dharma was made by Katsushika Hokusai in Japan using ink on paper. It is a fine example of Japanese Ukiyo-e which translates to "pictures of the floating world". The material itself, paper, is vital. Handmade paper has unique qualities compared to machine-made papers. The absorbency of the paper influences how the ink bleeds and spreads, creating soft edges and variations in tone. The artist has masterfully controlled the ink, to render an image of the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, known as Dharma in Japan, with just a few strokes of the brush, capturing both his fierce expression and his flowing robes. Woodblock printing was also used as a means for mass production, and the images were consumed by a broad audience, challenging the traditional boundaries between high art and popular culture. Hokusai's "Dharma" embodies this intersection of artistry, craft, and cultural context.