中原南天棒 Nakahara Nantenbo (1839-1925) Rinzai sect priest Buddhist monk Japanese antique art Zen kakejiku kakemono hanging scroll / 東山水上行 Tozan Suijo wo Yuku with Box RC679
offer expires at 12:01 AM PDT on 15 May 2026
Description
中原南天棒 Nakahara Nantenbo (1839-1925) Rinzai sect priest Buddhist monk Japanese antique art Zen kakejiku kakemono hanging scroll / 東山水上行 Tozan Suijo wo Yuku with Box RC679
東山水上行 Tozan Suijo wo Yuku
This Zen phrase describes a state of enlightenment that transcends conventional wisdom and logic, in which a mountain—which ought to be immovable—is seen to float upon the water. It teaches us not to view things merely superficially or logically, but to perceive their true nature with a freer mind.
中原南天棒 Nakahra Nantenbo (1839-1925)
A Zen monk of the late Edo and Taisho periods. He is also known by another name, 白崖窟 Hakkeikutsu, but is more widely known as 南天棒 (Nantenbo). He is known as one of the most powerful monks of the Meiji period, who always carried a Nanten stick with him. He visited Zen temples all over the country and beat monks in training without mercy. He traveled all over the country, challenging even his masters to Zen battles. He went to as many as twenty-five dojos, and if he found someone inexperienced, he would beat him mercilessly with a Nantian stick. At a time when telephones and telegraphs were inadequate, rumors of the arrival of the Nantenbo had some people trembling with fear. He also devoted himself to teaching the laity, and his influence was felt by such figures as 山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu, 乃木希典 Nogi Maresuke, and 児玉源太郎 Kodama Gentaro.
Upper right seal 'Hakkeikutsu' 白崖窟
with signature '84 years old Nantenbo' 八十四翁南天棒 and seal 'Nantenbo' 南天棒 'Toshu' 鄧州
A faint heaviness in the air seems to gather around the bold characters, giving the phrase Tozan Suijo wo Yuku a humid, almost suspended atmosphere that echoes the Zen teaching of seeing a mountain float upon water—an image that dissolves ordinary logic and invites a freer perception of reality; this direct, forceful presence aligns with the work of Nakahara Nantenbo (1839–1925), the Rinzai monk known for his uncompromising discipline, his travels to challenge monks across the country, and the powerful brushwork that mirrors the authority of the Nanten stick he carried, while this scroll bears the upper seal ‘Hakkeikutsu’ and the signature ‘84 years old Nantenbo’ with the seals ‘Nantenbo’ and ‘Toshu,’ and the piece is accompanied by its box, allowing the phrase’s paradoxical clarity to settle into a steady, enduring presence.
Whole dimensions: 12.2" W x 76" H / 31.2cm x 193.2cm
Inside dimensions: 7.5" W x 42.3" H / 19.2cm x 107.5cm
Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood
Weight: 330g including Box
Condition
Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN a little, CREASE, DAMAGE, FOLD, WARP, STAIN DAMAGE in the back of the mounting.
About the colors of the photos
The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.
Shipping
"FREE SHIPPING" all over the world by International ePacket Light, EMS, or DHL.
Please Note
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. From 1 July 2021, all commercial goods imported into the EU from a third country or third territory is subject to VAT irrespective of their value.
Our items are also sold in another shop at the same time.
We check our inventory daily, but there is a possibility that the item will be sold out in another store by a time lag and we may have to cancel your dealing at the time.
Of course, priority is the first purchase regardless of the price.
We appreciate your understanding.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We promise to always handle it sincerely.
