Izawa Deiryu, Kanshu Sojun (1895-1954)
泥龍 [寛州宗潤]

Kanshû Sôjun (1895-1954) known as Deiryû, born on Tomogashima island (Wakayama prefecture) as son of the Izawa family. 1911 he entered Kaisei-ji where he became one of Nantembô’s acolytes; regarding painting it was his most important. At the age of sixteen Deiryû formally became a disciple of the then 72-year-old Nantembô, and he accompanied his teacher on his pilgrimages and lecture tours throughout Japan. They usually travelled at night, often sitting up in third class train carriages. On these journeys, Nantembô sat in meditation and Deiryû memorized Zen texts and practised calligraphy by tracing the shapes of characters with his finger in the palm of his hand. 1924 Deiryû moved to the dôjô at Empuku-ji where he received his certification of enlightenment (inka) from Kôzuki Tessô (1883-1941). The year after Nantembô became ill and Deiryû returned to Kaisei-ji to be with him during his last days. After living in different places he returned to Empuku-ji in 1932 as abbot. In 1937 after Kôzuki Rôshi, Zen Master at Empuku-ji was killed in a car accident, Deiryû was asked to take over this position. Deiryû died in 1954.

Deiryû took up painting and calligraphy in emulation of Nantembô and while he painted many works on the same themes and styles as Nantembô, in Deiryû’s works we can read the gentleness of his character, as compared to Nantembô’s openhearted frankness.

References:
Seo, Yoshiko: The Art of 20th Century Zen, Boston and London 2000, pp. 35-57.