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Ganku

Japanese, 1756-1839


Details
Names

Kishi Ganku

岸駒

Ganku

Occupation or Type

painter

Bio

Ganku is said to have been born in either Takaoka in Etchû Province (present-day Takaoka City, Tôyama Prefecture) or Kanazawa in Kaga Province (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture). He grew up in Kanazawa, the castle town of the wealthy Maeda domain, and may have studied painting with Mori Ransai (1740-1801). It is certain that an early influence on his style was the realistic bird-and-flower painting of the Chinese artist Shen Nanpin and his Japanese followers. In 1779 he moved to Kyoto to make a name for himself as a painter. After absorbing influences from Chinese paintings as well as works by the Maruyama school, he won a clientele. From 1782 until his death, he appears consistenly in 'Heian jinbutsushi' [Notable persons of Kyoto], which attests to his fame. In 1784 he did wall painitngs for the Arisugawa princely family, and he continued to receive their patronage thereafter. The founder of the Kishi School, Ganku's pupils include his son, Gantai 岸岱 (1782–1865), son-in-law Ganryou 岸良 (1797–1852), adopted son Renzan 連山 (1804–59), Yokoyama Kazan 横山華山 (1784–1837), Shirai Kayou 白井華陽 (fl. ca 1840-60), and Kawamura Bumpô 河村文鳳 (1779–1821). He was made honorary governor of Echizen (Echizen no kami, 越前守) toward the end of his life. -- M,. Graybill. 8/12/2016

Gender

Male

Related People

Founded: Kishi School (Japanese, active 19th century)

Related Artworks
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