Kishi Ganku

Ganku 岸きし駒こま (1749 – January 19, 1839), or more formally Kishi Ku, was a leading Japanese painter of Kyoto and founder of the Kishi school of painting. He is famous for his paintings of tigers. Ganku was born in Kanazawa as Kishi Saeki, studied painting styles including those of Chinese painter Shen Nanpin (沈南蘋) and the Maruyama-Shijō school, and arrived in Kyoto around 1780.

By the late 18th century, Ganku's paintings were appreciated by patrons that included the imperial family, leading to a position under Prince Arisugawa. His students included his son, Gantai 岸がん岱 (1782–1865), son-in-law Ganryou 岸きし良りょう (1797–1852), adopted son Renzan 連山れんざん (1804–59), Yokoyama Kazan 横山よこやま華山かざん (1784–1837), Shirai Kayou 白井しろい華陽かよう (fl. ca 1840–60), and Kawamura Bumpou 河村かわむら文ぶん鳳おおとり (1779–1821). He was made honorary governor of Echizen (Echizen no kami, 越前えちぜん守まもる) toward the end of his life.