In the history of Japanese art, there was once a painter whose popularity and acclaim rivaled that of Yokoyama Taikan and Takeuchi Seihō. His name was Ōhashi Suiseki. Known as “the painter of tigers,” he was highly regarded both in Japan and abroad from the Meiji era through the early Shōwa period.

Tiger Paintings That Captivated the World

Born in 1865 in Ōgaki City, Gifu Prefecture, Ōhashi Suiseki devoted himself to animal paintings, developing a unique style especially in his depictions of tigers. At the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, he was the only Japanese artist to win a gold medal, and he went on to receive another gold prize at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. His tiger paintings were praised overseas as “unforgettable for a lifetime,” and were treasured by notable figures such as Emperor Meiji, Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, and Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu.

An “Independent Artist” Outside the Mainstream

Suiseki never submitted his works to major government-sponsored exhibitions like Bunten or Teiten, nor did he join any artistic factions. For this reason, he was called a “solitary artist” or “independent painter.” He secluded himself in Suma, Kobe, and despite his frail health, continued to pursue his own art with unwavering dedication.

Immense Popularity and Market Value During His Lifetime

In the early Shōwa period, Suiseki’s works were traded at prices on par with those of Yokoyama Taikan and Takeuchi Seihō. In the 1930 publication “A Guide to the Appraisal of Japanese Old Paintings,” his market value was listed in a special category alongside Taikan in the east and Seihō in the west. In the field of animal painting, he was said to have no equal.

The Reasons for Oblivion

However, because he did not belong to any art circles and raised almost no disciples, after his death he faded from the mainstream of art history, and his name gradually slipped from public memory. Nevertheless, his tiger paintings continue to fascinate many people to this day.

Conclusion

The story of Ōhashi Suiseki teaches us about the independence and solitude of the artist, and the enduring power of works that captivate people across generations.
Will you rediscover the name of this Japanese master of tiger paintings who once amazed the world?