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Description

中原南天棒 Nakahara Nantenbo (1839-1925) Rinzai sect priest Buddhist monk Japanese antique art Zen kakejiku kakemono hanging scroll / Snowman 積み立てし～ RD849

積み立てし 雪の達磨も日数へて 何へ行くらん 跡かたもなし
Tsumitateshi Yuki No darumamo Hikazu Hete Dokohe Ikuran Atokatamo Nashi
Where snowman (snow daruma) we made would go after 
days? The snowman had completely melted.

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 'Nantenbo' 南天棒
with signature '83 years old Nantenbo' 八十三翁南天棒 and seal 'Hakkeikutsu' 白崖窟 'Toshu' 鄧州

This rare Japanese hanging scroll features a snow daruma (snowman) painted and inscribed by Nakahara Nantenbō (1839–1925), a renowned Rinzai Zen master known for his bold brushwork and penetrating spiritual insight. The scroll includes a self-composed poem (jigasan) that reflects on impermanence and the fleeting nature of existence.
The poem reads: Tsumitateshi yuki no darumamo hikazu hete dokohe ikuran atokatamo nashi: Where the snowman we made would go after days? The snowman had completely melted. The snow daruma, a playful yet poignant figure, symbolizes transience, emptiness, and the dissolution of form—core themes in Zen philosophy. Nantenbō’s brush captures both humor and depth, inviting viewers to contemplate the ephemeral beauty of life. The scroll is accompanied by a storage box, ensuring safe preservation. Ideal for collectors of Zen art, Buddhist calligraphy, or Nantenbō’s expressive works, this piece offers both visual charm and philosophical resonance.

Whole dimensions: 15.1" W x 83.1" H / 38.5cm x 211.1cm
Inside dimensions: 12.3" W x 50" H / 31.4cm x 127cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood

Weight: 270g

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 a little, 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

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