- Ganku

Background

Ganku was born in 1749 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Education

Ganku studied various styles of painting, including those of the Maruyama school, known for its realism, and of the Chinese painter Shen Nan-p’in, who had visited Japan in 1731.

Career

Ganku served the Arisugawa-no-miya Family in Kyoto and was created Lord of Echizen.

Ganku developed a realistic solid style and painted portraits, landscapes, flowers, and birds. For a time he dabbled in Sung style of painting but later founded the Kishi school of painting, characterized by a rough and vigorous brush style but still reflective of the many influences his training had provided. He excelled in painting birds and animals. Best known of his works is a tiger painted in black monochrome.

By the late 18th century, Ganku's paintings were appreciated by patrons that included the imperial family, leading to a position under Prince Arisugawa. His students included his son, Gantai (1782–1865), son-in-law Ganryou (1797–1852), adopted son Renzan (1804–59), Yokoyama Kazan (1784–1837), Shirai Kayou (fl. ca 1840-60), and Kawamura Bumpou (1779–1821).

Achievements

• He was made honorary governor of Echizen (Echizen no kami) toward the end of his life.

Works

More photos

• Other Work

  • The Tigers and Dragon

    (Set of fusuma sliding doors with Tigers and Dragon by Gan...)

Personality

He was arrogant and proud, which made him very unpopular in art circles.

Connections

Son:

Gantai

adopted son:

Renzan