TOREI ENJI (1721-1792)
Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th centuryTetsubo (iron rod); a kakejiku (hanging scroll), ink and on paper in silk mounts, the massive twisted rod with a loop handle, inscribed to either side Kono waro osoreruru hito . . . (Those who fear this shall be rewarded); with a dharmic succession seal at top right and two seals at bottom left, the first reading Torei no in (Seal of Torei); with a wood storage box. Overall: 214cm x 36cm (84?in x 14 1/8in); image: 132cm x 28cm (52in x 11in). (2).
注脚
For a Torei painting of an iron rod with the same inscription, see Audrey Yoshiko Seo and Stephen Addiss, The Sound of One Hand: Paintings and Calligraphy by Zen Master Hakuin, Boston, Shambhala Publications, 2010, pl.7.1. The iron rod depicted here is traditionally associated with demons that torment sinners in the realms of hell. Born in Omi Province, Tōrei entered monastic life at age nine and became a priest of the Rinzai sect. At 23 he visited Hakuin at Shoinji Temple, staying to become his most renowned pupil, and then went on to found Ryutakuji Temple in Izu Province, finally spending the last years of his life at Reisenji in Mito. His paintings and calligraphies are rich in religious symbolism.