Nakabayashi Chikutō

His other art names include Chūtan (沖澹), Taigen’an (太原庵) and Tōzan Inshi (東山隠士).

At the age of fourteen, he and his friend, Yamamoto Baiitsu (who was only seven) made the acquaintance of Kamiya Ten’yū (?-1803), a wealthy merchant who collected art and calligraphy and helped them pursue their artistic education.

He was especially influenced by ink drawings from the period of the Chinese Yuan Dynasty and the painting techniques of Ni Zan.

After Kamiya's death, he and Baiitsu went to Kyoto to pursue an interest in classical literature and became members of the literary circle focused on the philosopher Rai San'yō and the nanga artist Uragami Shunkin [ja].

[7] From the book Yūsai gafu (融斎画譜; "Picture Album"), published by Chikutō's students.