Kishi Ganku
Ganku 岸駒 (1749 – January 19, 1839), or more formally Kishi Ku, was a leading Japanese painter of Kyoto and founder of the Kishi school of painting. He is famous for his paintings of tigers.
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Ganku was born in Kanazawa as Kishi Saeki, studied painting styles including those of Chinese painter Shen Nanpin (沈南蘋) and the Maruyama-Shijō school, and arrived in Kyoto around 1780.
By the late 18th century, Ganku's paintings were appreciated by patrons that included the imperial family, leading to a position under Prince Arisugawa. His students included his son, Gantai 岸岱 (1782–1865), son-in-law Ganryou 岸良 (1797–1852), adopted son Renzan 連山 (1804–59), Yokoyama Kazan 横山華山 (1784–1837), Shirai Kayou 白井華陽 (fl. ca 1840-60), and Kawamura Bumpou 河村文鳳 (1779–1821). He was made honorary governor of Echizen (Echizen no kami, 越前守) toward the end of his life.
Ganku died on January 19, 1839, in Kyoto.
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