Ryū Shōten (1897)

Ogata Gekko (1859-1920) was a Japanese artist celebrated for his contributions to the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints. Born in Edo (modern Tokyo), Gekko was self-taught in art and began his career decorating porcelain and rickshaws, as well as designing flyers for pleasure quarters. His early style was influenced by the painter Kikuchi Yōsai, but he later developed his own distinctive approach. Gekko's work includes a variety of subjects, from historical events, such as the Sino-Japanese War, to more poetic themes like "Monkey reaching for the moon." He was one of the earliest Japanese artists to gain international recognition, winning numerous prizes and influencing future generations, including his best-known student, Kōgyo Tsukioka.