(Sung Dynasty style character watering his horse)

Kyōsai Kawanabe (May 18, 1831 – April 26, 1889) was a renowned Japanese artist and caricaturist celebrated for his distinct style and irreverent wit. Born during the Edo period, Kyosai witnessed Japan's transformative political and social landscape. Hailing from Koga and born into a samurai family, his first profound encounter with art occurred at the age of nine when he stumbled upon a severed human head in the Kanda River. Initially apprenticed to the esteemed ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Under Kuniyoshi's tutelage, Kyosai honed his craft, later transitioning to the Kanō school where he trained under Maemura Tōwa. It was during this period that he earned the moniker "The Painting Demon," signifying his departure from formal traditions to embrace the expressive freedom of popular art.

Kyosai swiftly gained recognition for his vibrant illustrations, contributing to various newspapers and magazines. His work was characterized by bold strokes, exuberant energy, and a mischievous humor, often featuring exaggerated and distorted figures. Notably, his extensive painting on makimono titled "The Battle of the Farts" exemplifies his penchant for caricature. As his reputation soared, Kyosai attracted affluent patrons seeking his distinctive portrait caricatures. His popularity surged, leading to his appointment as the official artist of the Tosa Domain in 1865.

Regarded as Hokusai's greatest successor, despite not being his pupil, Kyōsai pioneered political caricature in Japan. His life mirrored his artistry: wild, undisciplined, and occasionally indulgent in drink. Although lacking Hokusai's gravitas, Kyōsai compensated with a fantastical exuberance, enriching his technically proficient draughtsmanship.

In 1874, Kyōsai co-created what is considered the first manga magazine, "Eshinbun Nipponchi," with Kanagaki Robun. This venture, influenced by the British cartoonist Charles Wirgman's "Japan Punch," featured simplistic drawings but failed to garner widespread popularity.

Beyond caricatures, Kyōsai's repertoire encompassed a diverse array of subjects, including Japanese folklore, Nô drama, nature, and religion. He excelled in painting and woodblock prints, showcasing mastery in kacho-ga, or bird-and-flower paintings, throughout his career. His works, housed in esteemed institutions such as the British Museum and the Guimet Museum in Paris, reflect his eclectic artistic pursuits.

Kyosai's enduring legacy reverberates through Japanese art and culture. His dynamic style and playful humour continue to inspire contemporary artists, perpetuating his influence across generations and embedding his spirit within the fabric of Japanese popular culture. The Kawanabe Kyōsai Memorial Museum, established in 1977 in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, commemorates his legacy