稻原東工（Inahara Tōkō) Rare Lost to History Painter

 

This card is postmarked Yamashiro, Kyoto (山城京都) and dated February 15, 1891. Inahara appears to have been staying with someone named Isaki (井崎) and gives his return address as Maruyama 14-banchi. The message mentions a Nakashima (中島), but as this blog has already cataloged four or five individuals by that name, it’s unclear which one is being referred to here.

稻原東工 was a Japanese painter active in the late Meiji period, known primarily as an instructor in Western painting techniques, especially watercolor and oil painting. His name appears in multiple early 20th-century art reference works, including Taishō Gaka Retsuden: Meiji Gashi and Kokon Shogaka Meikan, in the context of his role as a mentor.

Though details of his own artwork remain sparse in historical records, his influence is evident through his pupils. Several artists, notably those active in realist and hybrid Japanese-Western styles, are documented to have studied under him in their formative years. His co-instructor is often listed as Fujii Kunisue (藤井邦季), suggesting a collaborative or parallel role in guiding young painters in Western media.

Inahara Tōkō’s teaching legacy places him among the important yet lesser-known figures who helped bridge Japanese art with imported Western techniques during the Meiji era, a time of cultural transformation and experimentation. His impact is preserved indirectly through the accomplishments of the artists he trained.