Yokoi Kinkoku 横井金谷

Yokoi Kinkoku (1761–1832) was a Japanese painter associated with the Nanga, or Southern School, movement, which was influenced by Chinese literati painting. Born in Nagoya, Kinkoku was initially trained in Confucian studies before turning to painting, where he became known for his landscapes and mastery of ink wash techniques. He was a disciple of the renowned Nanga painter Gyokudo Uragami, which significantly shaped his artistic development. Kinkoku's work is characterized by its poetic expression and subtle use of color, contributing to the dissemination and evolution of the Nanga style in Japan. His paintings often reflect a deep appreciation for nature and a philosophical approach to art, resonating with the ideals of the literati tradition. Kinkoku's legacy is preserved in numerous collections, and he remains a significant figure in the history of Japanese art for his role in popularizing and refining the Nanga aesthetic.