Edo period (1615-1868), ink on paper, hanging scroll format, painting of the Chinese priest Kenzu-osho, inscription to top half of the scroll, artist red seal to left side, traditional Japanese mounting, wooden rollers, with inscribed tomobako wooden storage box.

DOA 63 1/2 x 12 1/4 in., Image size 34 x 11 in.

Kensu-oshō was a Chinese priest of the end of the Tang dynasty to the Five Dynasties period. He was known for his eccentric behavior. With little more than the clothes on his back, he spent his days at riverbanks, digging for clams and catching shrimp as food, while at night he took shelter from the dew by burying himself under the paper money dedicated to small shrines as offerings to the gods and the dead. Sengai's almost comical depiction of the priest is light and witty and exemplifies the artist's overall style.

Good estate condition; some overall toning to the paper; some wear to roller knobs.