A genius painter whose birth and death dates, birthplace, and detailed biography remain shrouded in mystery. He reportedly operated a workshop called "Tawaraya" in Kyoto, handling painted fans and decorated paper, and was also involved in restoration projects at Daitokuji and Toyokuni Shrine. Meeting Hon'ami Koetsu, he produced numerous collaborative works providing under-paintings for Koetsu's calligraphy, including the "Tsuru-shita-e Sanjurokkasen Waka-kan." He then established his own distinctive style, producing a succession of masterworks with bold compositions and rich decorative quality, including "Wind God and Thunder God" (Kennin-ji) and the "Tale of Genji" screens. He is also known for perfecting the "tarashikomi" technique of layering pigment before the underlayer dries — a technique inherited by later Rinpa artists. His innovative visual expression profoundly influenced Ogata Korin and remains a brilliant presence in Japanese art history.

His works reveal a spirit both bold and delicate, innovative yet rooted in tradition. A mysterious figure in whom selfless obscurity and overwhelming artistic passion coexisted.

"Wind God and Thunder God" is one of Japanese art's greatest masterpieces. The decorative painting tradition he pioneered was established as Rinpa through Kōrin and Kenzan, becoming a defining school of Japanese art.