Portrait of Priest Dazhi (1048–1116), Master of Law1100s · Study 1974.29

Context from the museum

Monk Yuanzhao, with the honorific title Dazhi Lüshi, Great Wisdom Master of Vinaya, is depicted here as an itinerant monk, holding his alms bowl in the left and staff in the right. In 1142, Emperor Gaozong had bestowed Yuanzhao with a posthumous title, mentioned in the inscription, which suggests that the portrait was made after the master’s death. A master of the Lü sect of Buddhism, with a calm benevolent smile on his face, Yuanzhao was active on Mount Tiantai and in Hangzhou. Later, Liu Tao, a southerner from Changxing, added the inscription. The eulogy reads: Dignified he is, perfect in his upasampada [ordination of a monk]. His appearance is like his mind. Uncompromising and aloof. His mind is like his appearance. To say he is square, he proves to be round. He looks timid, yet his spirit is unbound. Having no attachment, and holding no reins, men and deities alike take refuge in him . —translated by Wai-Kam Ho

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

A native of Hangzhou, the priest Dazhi was known for his eloquent exposition of Buddhist doctrines and for his success in winning many converts.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected image measurement for Portrait of Priest Dazhi (1048–1116), Master of Law is 40.5 cm wide and 92.4 cm high, equivalent to approximately 15.9 × 36.4 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.44:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.37 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 13.5% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 129.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Portrait of Priest Dazhi (1048–1116), Master of Law in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Hanging scroll; ink and light color on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 40.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?