Tomioka Yusuke

Place: Kyoto

Born: 1836

Death: 1924

Biography:

Tomioka Tessai, also known as Tomioka Yusuke, was a renowned Japanese painter and calligrapher who lived from 1836 to 1924. He is regarded as the last major artist in the Bunjinga tradition and one of the first major artists of the Nihonga style. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Tessai's real name was Yusuke, which he later changed to Hyakuren.

Early Life and Education

Tessai was born into a family that sold sacerdotal robes, but due to his poor hearing, his parents decided that he should become a scholar. He was educated in classical Chinese philosophy and literature, as well as ancient Japanese classics, under the tutelage of noted kokugaku scholar Okuni Tadamasa. After his father's death in 1843, Tessai became a page at a Shinto shrine and later came to be lodged with Buddhist poet and nun Ōtagaki Rengetsu, who became his greatest scholarly mentor and supporter.

Artistic Career

Tessai developed his own style over the next decade or so, studying under accomplished painters. In 1861, he opened a private school in Rengetsu's house to teach painting, and later became a teacher at Ritsumeikan University in 1868. He also worked for the new Meiji government, contributing maps and topographical charts. Throughout his career, Tessai traveled extensively, visiting famous and scenic places that would later become subjects of his paintings. Tessai's early works followed the bunjinga styles of the early 19th century, although he also worked in various styles associated with Kyoto, including Rimpa, Yamato-e, and Otsu-e. However, his mature style concentrated on Nanga, or Chinese-style paintings based on the late Ming dynasty artists from Suzhou and Jiangsu Provinces. Some of Tessai's notable works include:

• Scene Inspired by the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans, which showcases his unique style and use of vibrant colors.
• Hall of Enma, the King of Hell, a painting that demonstrates his skill in depicting historical and literary episodes.
• Nine Auspicious Symbols of Longevity and Prosperity, a work that highlights his ability to combine Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian figures to symbolize the unity of Asian religious traditions.

Tessai's paintings can be found in various museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Fukuoka Art Museum. His works are also available on Wikioo.org, where art lovers can explore his unique style and technique.

Legacy

Tessai was an extremely prolific painter, estimated to have painted approximately 20,000 paintings in the course of his career. He served as a Shinto priest and a scholar, and was appointed official painter to Emperor Meiji in 1907. Tessai's best works were created in the last years of his life, from age 80 to his death in 1924. Tessai's legacy can be seen in his contributions to the Nihonga movement, which emphasized traditional Japanese techniques and materials. His use of mineral pigments and organic materials on silk or paper helped to create a unique and distinctive style. For more information about Tomioka Tessai and his works, visit Wikioo.org or Wikipedia.