Chō Kōran

Chō Kōran (張 紅蘭, 1804–1879) was a Japanese poet and artist, known for her study of Chinese arts and specialization in bunjinga ink paintings.

She traveled extensively across Japan with her husband, fellow poet Yanagawa Seigan [ja], and her poetry and artwork was published in several volumes.

[1][2] As a teenager, Kōran studied Chinese poetry under the instruction of well-known poet Yanagawa Seigan (1789–1858), and their relationship developed into something more.

Kōran studied a type of ink art called bunjinga – styled after Chinese literati painting – and her reputation as an artist began to flourish.

She drew attention for her ink paintings in the "Four Gentlemen" genre, creating images of bamboo, orchid, plum, and chrysanthemum.

Kōran continued to write poetry and paint bunjinga, remaining active in the literary and artistic community for the rest of her life.