Mori Kansai (1814 - 1894)

Kansai was born in Hagi of Nagato Province (present Yamaguchi Prefecture) as a son of Ishida Dennai, samurai of Choshu-Han (domain).
Kansai's real given name was Kokichi.
His pseudonyms were Tokei, Kansai, Banzan, Zokeshitsu and others.
At first, Kansai studied painting under Ohta Denryu, official painter of Choshu Clan.
In 1831, he went to Osaka and became a pupil of Mori Tetsuzan (the Maruyama school).
Later, Kansai became the adopted child of Mori Tetsuzan.
When Kansai was 25 years old, he went to Kyoto.
Until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, he participated in national affairs and interacted with loyal supporters of the Emperor.
After the Restoration, Kansai went back to the painting world.
Kansai won many prizes at the several exhibitions.