Tomita Keisen 富田渓仙

富田渓仙 Tomita Keisen (1879-1936)
Born in Hakata. He first studied the Kano school, and in 1896, studied the Shijo school under Tsuji Kako in Kyoto. He later became a private admirer of Sengai and Yosa Buson, and was devoted to Tomioka Tessai, and also studied Buddhist painting. He produced large, unique works in the style of Nanga, and created his own style of painting, full of a free and vigorous modern sensibility. He participated in the Bunten and Inten exhibitions, and some works are kept in museums in Kyoto. He is also known for his friendship with the poet Paul Claudel, who was also the French ambassador to Japan.