Kogyo Terazaki (1866-1919)

Terazaki Kōgyō, born Chutaro Terasaki in 1866 in Dewa Province, Akita, was a prominent Japanese painter known for his unique blend of traditional Japanese style and Western influences in his landscapes. He began his artistic training at 16 and further improved his skills under the guidance of painter Hoan (Hirafuku Suian) from the Shijō school. Kōgyō's diverse artistic portfolio included woodblock prints of bijin-ga (beautiful women), kacho-e (bird and flower prints), and dynamic war prints from his time as a war correspondent during the Russo-Japanese War. Often using the pseudonym Sōzan, he created many works for the publishing house Hakubunkan and their literary magazine "Bungei Kurabu." Beyond his contributions to printmaking, Kōgyō also served as a professor at the Imperial School of Arts in Tokyo and was a member of the Imperial Art Committee. His career reflects a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Japan, blending artistic disciplines and perspectives during a transformative era.