Yasunari Ikenaga – Artwork and Bio of the Japanese Painter

Yasunari Ikenega is a Japanese painter born in Oita Perfecture in 1965. Ikenaga graduated from the Arts Department at Midorigaoka High School, attached to the Oita Prefectural College of Arts and Culture, in 1984.

After graduation, Yasunari went on to educate himself and honed his unique style by using a Masho brush to paint mineral pigment and soot ink onto a linen cloth, and he was able to carve out a niche for himself doing this. Yasunari is one of the foremost Contemporary artists known for reviving the Nihonga painting style that honors ancient Japanese traditions while infusing modern themes like floral patterns and clothing designs.

Ikenaga published his first art book in 2014, titled “Kimi omou hyakuya no kofuku (The happiness of one hundred nights thinking of you)” this long-seller was a collection of prints, coloring books, and calendars. The artist’s work has been featured in stationeries, magazines, and on everyday collectibles in many countries worldwide.

What is Yasunari Ikenaga Known For?

Yasunari Ikenaga is known for painting portraits of beautiful women; these “bijinga” -as they are referred to in Japanese- are sophisticated paintings of modern women with interesting texture and taste. Ikenaga’s artworks sometimes are a reminder of the old Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock painting traditions.

Who is Yasunari Ikenaga Influenced By?

Yasunari Ikenaga is influenced by the ancient Nihonga painting style, rooted in the works of other artists like Utagawa Toyoharu, Uemura Shoen, and Hashimoto Kansetsu. Ikenaga also draws inspiration from the old Ukiyo-e woodblock painting traditions, his painting “The Floating World” is a Ukiyo-e rendition of the interesting, pleasure-oriented scenes from a brothel.