Naito Tenrai 内藤天来

内藤天来 Naito Tenrai (1886-1978)
Born in Fukuyama in 1886. Studied under Tanaka Hakuin, who introduced him to Tanomura Chokunyu as a pupil to learn Southern School painting. He developed close friendships with Tanaka Hakuin's son-in-law, Nishimura Tōri, and Tanomura Chokugai, among others. While he produced masterpieces in landscapes, figures, and flowers and birds, his true genius lay in works where calligraphy and painting were perfectly integrated. He died in Fukuyama in 1978 at the age of 92.