Born at Chōfu in Nagato (Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi) into a family of Kanō-school painters serving the domain.
He went to Edo to study under a Kanō master, becoming a leading pupil alongside Hashimoto Gahō.
The Meiji Restoration ended his post as domain painter, and he lived in poverty.
Around this time Fenollosa recognized his talent, and he worked on a new Japanese painting incorporating Western colour.
He painted Fudō Myōō and other works, which were highly praised.
He died just after completing his masterpiece Hibo Kannon (Merciful Mother Kannon); he was to have been a professor at the new Tokyo School of Fine Arts.
Matsuura TakeshirōIwakura TomomiWilliam S. ClarkTakahashi YuichiSoejima TaneomiNishi AmaneYuri KimimasaŌkubo Toshimichi
People of the Meiji period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.