Tomioka Tessai (1837–1924) was a literati painter born in Kyoto who was active from the Meiji to the Taishō periods. He was well-versed in a wide range of disciplines, including Confucianism, Kokugaku, Chinese poetry and Buddhism, and deepened his understanding of classical literature and places of scenic beauty whilst travelling throughout the country. Using landscapes, figures and historical tales as his subjects, he left behind numerous free-spirited works that prioritised the vigour of the brushstroke and the overall atmosphere of the composition over meticulous attention to detail. As he grew older, his brushwork became increasingly bold, and he came to be regarded as Japan’s last literati painter.

When viewing Tetsusai’s works, one gets the impression that the brush itself moves with a sense of joy, transcending any conscious effort to paint skilfully. Although his mountains and figures are at times exaggerated and their forms free, his rich erudition and life experience naturally shine through. Tetsusai’s paintings do not merely depict the scenery before his eyes; rather, they feel like works in which he has poured his memories of classical literature and his travels, as well as poetry and philosophy, into a single canvas. His great appeal lies in the fact that, amidst this boldness, there is intelligence and humour, and the more one looks at them, the deeper their appeal becomes.