DESCRIPTION :
A pair of zen paintings by the master Nantenbo and his disciple Deiryu featuring the classical Mendicant Monks theme. The inscription of the monks coming by Nantenbo reads as follows; "Trainee monks of the four seas, Begging bowls in hand chanting like thunder, In their straw (hats) returning home". The inscription is a bit puzzling at first. The initial two lines are usually brushed on Zenga of monks coming (which is what is depicted here) but the second half is used on paintings of monks going. In addition, Nantenbo gave an abbreviated version of his typical inscription—for example, he left out the characters for the round straw hats that monks wear (kasa)—and he said the monks are “returning” when they are obviously “coming” to the village. Nantenbo, however, was famous for such eccentricities in his Zenga, forgetting or mixing up the kanji and placing his seals sideways or upside down. The Zenga makes more sense when it is paired with Mendicant Monks (going) by Nantenbo’s disciple Deiryu. It is almost certain that Nantembo instructed Deiryu, “Here, you finish this Zenga,” after he had already added this inscription. Deiryu's inscription reads as follows; "Trainee monks of the four seas, Begging bowls in hand, chanting like thunder". Here the monks are going back to the temple, but Deiryu has playfully inscribed the verse that is usually reserved for paintings of monks coming. In this delightful pair of Zenga, master and disciple are engaging in a kind of a Zen comedy act. Deiryu is perhaps unique in the annals of Zenga because he began brushing competent Zen art in his twenties—most Zen art is produced by masters after age 60. Deiryu was in his late twenties when he painted this, but he was actually producing excellent Zenga portraits of Nantembo five or so years previously. One can clearly see the difference between the two Zenga, however: the brushwork of Nantembo is rich and deep while Deiryu’s brushwork is (not surprisingly) a bit stiff and superficial. But even this displays a nice contrast between wise old master and young enthusiastic disciple. All in all, a very interesting and unusual pair of Zenga, graced with good humor. Please note: translations and comments are provided by John Stevens. |
