“I don’t know!”

 

With this creative composition, Nantenbō introduces several elements that elevate the painting beyond a standard portrait of Daruma. The dynamic brush­stroke that makes up the patriarch’s shrugging shoulder is connected with sweeping, gestural forms that suggest Daruma is holding a Zen staff, not unlike Nantenbō’s famous accessory; however, the staff is also a calligraphic inscription, which gently parodies the wise Daruma. As an additional flourish, Nantenbō has rendered Daruma’s earring in a single, dark, circular stroke, which also evokes the iconic Zen circle, the ensō.

 

—Bradley Bailey