Gentai Matsui

Background

Gentai was born in 1689, in Nara, Japan.

Career

Succeeded to his family business of Chinese black ink-stick making and was appointed caterer to the Imperial family with the title of Izumi-no-Jo in 1713. Presented some rare ink-sticks from his collection to Emperor Reigen in 1715. Later studied the Chinese technique of ink-stick making at Nagasaki in 1739.

Works

• book

  • Kobaien-bokudan

    (history of ink-sticks of Nara)

  • Bokufu

    (history of ink-sticks)