In the Zen sect which emphasized Shishi-sosho (generation-to-generation instruction from master to disciple) there was a demand for paintings such as Chinzo (portrait of Zen priest), which was given to a disciple in order to clarify his succession of the master's dharma, and Soshi-zo image including the founder of Zen sect, Dharma.
師資相承（師匠から弟子へ仏法を伝える）を重視する禅宗では、師匠の法を嗣いだことを証明するために弟子に与える頂相（ちんぞう、禅僧の肖像）や禅宗の始祖・達磨をはじめとする祖師像などの絵画作品の需要があった。