Iwasa Matabei 岩佐又兵衛

Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650) was a Japanese painter known for his significant contributions to the early Edo period art scene. He is often associated with the Ukiyo-e movement, although his work predates the full development of this genre. Matabei was born in Kyoto and was the son of Araki Murashige, a samurai who fell from favor, which influenced Matabei's life and career. He is renowned for his narrative handscrolls and genre paintings, which exhibit a distinctive style characterized by elongated figures and expressive line work. His work had a lasting impact on the development of Japanese painting, influencing subsequent generations of artists. Matabei's legacy is particularly noted for bridging the transition from the traditional Yamato-e style to the more modern Ukiyo-e.