Tomita Keisen · 1879–1936
Tomita Keisen
Tomita Keisen was a Nihonga painter born in Hakata, Fukuoka. After a wandering journey to Kishu he turned to a literati-painting style, was recognized by Yokoyama Taikan, thrived at the Inten exhibitions, and created original literati paintings of extraordinary sensibility.
Tomita Keisen was born in 1879 in Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture (present-day Hakata Ward, Fukuoka), and died in 1936. His real name was Chingoro and his courtesy name was Ryuchin. At 17 he went to Kyoto, and the following year he became a pupil of Tsuji Kako.
After a wandering journey to Kishu in 1907, he gradually turned to a literati-painting style. In 1909 he traveled in Taiwan and China, visiting scenic places. His "Cormorant Boat," shown at the 6th Bunten in 1912, caught the eye of Yokoyama Taikan, and at Taikan's invitation he later exhibited at the revived Inten, and was recommended as a member at the second exhibition.
From then on he was active at the Inten exhibitions, creating original literati paintings with an unconventional character and keen sensibility. His representative works include "Papermaking," "Cherry Blossoms at Omuro," and "Carrier Pigeon." His works include "Mount Horai."
