Tōsendō Rifū

Place: Edo

Biography:

Tōsendō Rifū was a Japanese artist who was active during the Edo period (1615–1868) and specialized in bijinga, images of beautiful women. He is known for his use of thick lines and bright colors, which is reminiscent of the style of the Torii school. The Kaigetsudō school, of which Tōsendō Rifū was a member, is known primarily for its prints of bijin with very colorful and complex patterns on their kimono. While these images may be seen as displaying fashion designs, it is far more likely that the artists intended to focus on the beauty and grace of the women themselves. The printmakers sought to share the fame and magnificence of the women of the Yoshiwara with those unable to afford to experience the ukiyo (Floating World) in person. Though a handful of artists took on the Kaigetsudō name for themselves, and sought to imitate the style, the work of Tōsendō Rifū and his direct disciples fell into sharp decline after his banishment to Ōshima in 1714.