Career
He was known for his controversial teachings and writings, as well as for his lighthearted sumi-e paintings. One of his famous paintings shows a circle, a square and a triangle. Sengai left the painting without a title or inscription (save for his signature), however the painting is often called "The Universe" when referred to in English.
"My play with brush and ink is not calligraphy nor painting.
Yet unknowing people mistakenly think: this is calligraphy, this is painting." Sengai Gibon (1750–1837).