Background
Ganku was born in Kanazawa as Kishi Saeki, studied painting styles including those of Chinese painter Shen Nanpin (沈南蘋) and the Maruyama school, and arrived in Kyoto around 1780.
Ganku was born in Kanazawa as Kishi Saeki, studied painting styles including those of Chinese painter Shen Nanpin (沈南蘋) and the Maruyama school, and arrived in Kyoto around 1780.
He is perhaps best known for his paintings of tigers. By the late 18th century, Ganku"s paintings were appreciated by patrons that included the imperial family, leading to a position under Prince Arisugawa. He was made honorary governor of Echizen (Echizen no kami, 越前守) toward the end of his life.
Ganku died on January 19, 1839, in Kyoto.