Hashimoto Kansetsu

Hashimoto Kansetsu was born in Hyogo in 1883 and died in 1945. His real name was Kan'ichi. He first studied the Shijo school under Kataoka Koko and, at 20, joined Takeuchi Seiho's Chikujo-kai.

He presented one work after another on Chinese stories and literature, earning commendations for "Disappointment" at the 3rd Bunten and "The Pipa Song" at the 4th. At the 6th, he received commendations in both the first and second sections and gained wide recognition. At 30 he first visited China, and he went more than 60 times thereafter, creating "Shin-Nanga" (new Nanga) based on sketches made there.

At the 12th Bunten his "Mulan" won a special prize, and he became a permanently exempt exhibitor. In his later years he broke new ground with animal paintings, represented by "Black Monkey" and "Chinese Dog." He was also knowledgeable about architecture and gardens and built three villas. His works include "Landscapes of Spring and Autumn."