Song Ziyan (Sō Shigan): Bridging East and West in the Nagasaki School Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1715 – though his artistic identity was firmly rooted in China – Song Ziyan, also known as Sō Shigan, stands as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Japanese art during the Edo period. His life’s work represents a fascinating confluence of Chinese and Western influences, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the Nagasaki school and leaving an enduring legacy on Japanese painting. He wasn't simply a painter; he was a teacher, a mentor, and a conduit for artistic exchange between two vastly different…