The Life and Spiritual Path of Gessen
Born in Nagoya, Japan, Gessen was a painter and a monk. He was born into a family involved in sake brewing and eventually became a priest of the Jōdo-shū sect of Buddhism. His spiritual journey led him to Edo, where he served as a priest at the Zōjō-ji temple. During his time in Edo, he studied the painting style of the monk-painter Sesshū under the teacher Sakurai Sekkan. Later, Gessen moved to Kyōto, living at Chion-in, where he became a student of Maruyama Ōkyo. In 1774, he assumed the role of head priest at the Jakushō-ji temple in Yamada, Ise Province. Through the significant income generated by his paintings, he was able to restore the wealth of the temple.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
Gessen was highly skilled in landscape painting and the depiction of figures. His portrayals of human figures often conveyed such profound poverty and despair that he earned the name "Beggar Gessen." His artistic legacy includes notable works such as the sliding door paintings (Fusuma-e) located in the Myōhō-in in Kyōto. He also produced printed works, including three volumes titled Ressen zusan in 1784. One of his recognized works is Peony with Bird, which is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Questions & Answers
Where can I see Gessen's artworks arranged by atmosphere?
The Mood Room of Gessen is a page that arranges the artist's artworks by mood.
In which historical period did Gessen work?
Gessen worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Where are Gessen's artworks grouped by palette?
To find works by Gessen in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.
