Koun Itagaki: A Pioneer of Japanese Landscape Painting Koun Itagaki (伊藤 若冲, 1716–1800) stands as a monumental figure in Edo-period Japanese art, recognized primarily for his breathtaking landscapes—particularly those depicting birds and blossoms—that profoundly influenced subsequent generations of painters. Born into a family of Confucian scholars in Kyoto, Itagaki’s artistic journey began modestly but swiftly ascended to unparalleled renown thanks to his masterful command of *sumie* (墨絵), the monochrome ink wash technique that embodies the spirit of Zen Buddhism and Japanese aesthetics. His…