TOTOKI BAIGAI (1749-1804)

TOTOKI BAIGAI (1749-1804)

EDO PERIOD, C.1800

A Japanese painting, ink on paper, possibly from a makimono (horizontal scroll) mounted as a kakejiku (scroll painting), depicting a small boat behind vegetation, with tall mountains in the background and calligraphy above, signed Baigai and with a red seal mark, together with a tomobako (wood box) with a label to the side inscribed Baigai, and a cardboard sleeve, 15cm x 13xcm. (2)

Totoki Baigai was an important artist from Osaka specialising in Nanga art, based on Chinese literati paintings and calligraphy. At first an impoverished artist, he travelled to Kyoto where he worked as an entertainer in the pleasure quarters of Gion. He later served Lord Masuyama Sessai of Ise Nagashima domain, followed by the wealthy merchant Meshino Seiho, until his retirement in 1800, after which he established a Confucian training school.