The Tiger’s Brush: The Life and Legacy of Kishi Ganku Kishi Ganku, born either in 1749 or 1756 – records differ on the precise date – emerged as a pivotal figure in late Edo period Japanese painting. Though his origins lay in Kanazawa, it was Kyoto that would become the crucible of his artistic development and the birthplace of the Kishi school. Initially known as Kishi Saeki, Ganku’s early life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, but his trajectory reveals a relentless pursuit of mastery across diverse styles before forging his own distinctive path. He wasn't merely a painter; he was a sy…