Imao Keinen

Born in Kyoto. Original name Imao Isaburö. Also used the gö Yosösai, Ryöji Rakukyo, Shiyü, Eikanshi. Studied ukiyo-e painting with Umegawa Tökyo and other Japanese styles with Suzuki Hyakunen. Professor at Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting from 1880. Member of Art Committee of Imperial Household from 1904; member Imperial Art Academy from 1919. Important Japanese-style painter in Kyoto. Specialized in kachö ga with very realistic detail. Known for Bird and Flower Albums by Keinen (Keine Kachö Gafu), 1891, set of 4 volumes with 40 moku-hanga in each, published by Nishimura Söemon, carved by Tanaka Jirokichi, and printed by Miki Jinzaburö. Unsigned prints attributed to Keinen appear in a 1930s’ series by various artists.

Helen Merritt and Nanako Yamada, Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975

U.S.A.: University of Hawaii Press, 1992, Page 41