GANKU (1749–1838) Large kakejiku in polychrome and gold highlights on silk, depicting a pair of peacocks, one perched on a rock, amongst bamboo and flowers. Signed Utanosuke Ganku in the top left-hand corner, above two seals. (Stains). Japan, early 19th century. A LARGE KAKEJIKU, COLOURS ON SILK, TWO PEACOCKS BY GANKU, JAPAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURY. DIM. 115 X 55 CM (45 1/4 X 21 5/8 IN.) Note on the artist: Kishi Ganku is best known for his paintings of tigers. He is, however, representative of the complex interconnections between the various schools of painting in the 18th century. As the founder of the Kishi school, he sought to distinguish himself from the Maruyama-Shijō school; yet, like Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795), influenced by the Nagasaki School (also known as the Nanpin School), which emerged following the teachings of the Chinese painter Shen Nanpin in Nagasaki between 1731 and 1733, where his naturalism blended with that of European art. From 1804, he held an official post at the imperial court in Kyoto. His works are notably represented in numerous Western museums, in the United States and Europe.