Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism
禅宗祖師図
Kano Motonobu · 16th century (Muromachi period) · Hanging scroll
Part of the work (one hanging scroll). Image: Source: ColBase (Work page (opens in a new tab)) (reduced in size on this site) Public Data License 2.0 of the Government of Japan (compatible with CC BY 4.0) (opens in a new tab) View larger
Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism is a hanging scroll in ink and light color on paper by Kano Motonobu (16th century, Muromachi period) on anecdotes of Tang-dynasty Zen monks. Originally sliding-door paintings at Daisen'in, it is an Important Cultural Property held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Kano Motonobu
- Date
- 16th century (Muromachi period)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
A patriarch painting shows a Buddhist teacher in ascetic practice and a senior figure to be taken as a model. This work is part of the wall paintings of the Ehatsu room at Daisen'in, a subtemple of Daitoku-ji (now six scrolls in all), and was remounted as hanging scrolls for preservation. Daisen'in is a subtemple that Kogaku Soko founded within Daitoku-ji in 1513 (Eisho 10).
The subjects are the deeds of Tang-dynasty high monks such as Hongren, Huineng, Lingyun Zhiqin, Weishan Lingyou, Shigong Huicang, and Sanping Yizhong. The museum's commentary says that, from the left, come Lingyun Sees the Peach Blossoms and Weishan Kicks the Bottle, followed, across a waterside scene, by Shigong Draws His Bow and Sanping Bares His Chest. Clouds placed in front, in the middle, and in the back tie anecdotes of differing times and places into one continuous picture with depth.
Kano Motonobu laid the foundation of the Kano school, a group of painters active from the mid-Muromachi period into the Edo period. Each scroll measures 175.2 x 90.5 cm.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. A-289
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism, and when?
- Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism is by Kano Motonobu, made in 16th century (Muromachi period). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
More from Tokyo
Discover more of the same region on our sister sites.