Ike no Taiga

Ike no Taiga was born in Kyoto in 1723 (Kyoho 8). His given names included Mumei, Kin, Kobin, and Ryo, his childhood name was Matajiro, and he used many art names such as Taigado and Kasho. Raised by Ikeno Kazaemon, a fan merchant, he began studying painting under Yanagisawa Kien at fifteen or sixteen and is said to have also learned literati painting from Gion Nankai. He is also known as a calligrapher, and his art names include Taigado, Taikado, and Sangaku Doja.

He was shown Western paintings by the herbalist Noro Genjo and studied them, and combined the Southern Song painting he had learned on his own with Japanese traditional painting and Western methods to establish a distinctive, fresh style. Together with Yosa Buson he is called the founder of Japanese Nanga.

He died in 1776 (An'ei 5) at the age of 54. Works such as Hermit by a Mountain Stream and the Spring on West Lake screens are known.