Ito, Jyakuchu

Jakuchu (or Jyakuchu) Ito is a Japanese artist from the Edo period who lived from 1716 to 1800. He has been recognized internationally, but not as much as Hokusai. Jakuchu who was born as the eldest son into a merchant's family and inherited the business when he was 23 years old following his father death. Though, he showed little interest in the business and passed the business to his brother to focus on art.

Photo: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Jakuchu seemed to have a keen interest in painting animals, particularly birds, and painted many of them. He was perhaps "nontraditional" at his time: Unlike many artists of the time, he didn't need to paint for patrons and was able to paint for his own joy and curiosity. He didn't belong to a group (sector of artist groups) later in his career and was able to explore his own style. I think his financial and artistic freedom in expression has resulted in the lively paintings.

More on Jyakuchu Ito:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%C5%8D_Jakuch%C5%AB