Tiger and lion-dog

Tomita Keisen was one of the major artists of Kyoto in the early 20th century. His unconventional style has roots in classical traditions. Here he combines the exuberant drawing found in Nanga and Shijo paintings in a palette derived from Yamato-e and Rinpa.

For other works see Michiyo Morioka and Paul Berry, Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions, Nihonga from the Griffith and Patricia Way Collection, exh. cat. (Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 1999), pp. 176-85.