A pair of kakemono (hanging scrolls) painted in ink with calligraphy, depicting itinerant, mendicant monks in procession by Nakahara Nantenbō (1839-1925).

Both signed: Hachijūshi ō Nantenbō Tōjū sho (Written by Nantenbo, Tōjū, an old man of eighty-four years old)*

Both sealed:

Upper: Nantenbo; Hakugaikutsu; Tōjū

Lower: Hakugaikutsu

Japan, 20th century, *1922.

Dimensions:

Scroll: H. 198cm x W. 43.5cm (78" x 17¼") each

Painting: H. 137cm x W. 31cm (54" x 12¼") each

Inscriptions:

Shikai no unsui

Hachiu kaminari no gotoshi

Utou ni marugasa

Kashite ikubakuka mura ni kisuruya

The mendicant monks of the world

Calling out for alms like thunder

Itinerant monks with worn staff and round hats

I wonder how many will return enlightened