The Dragon Painter

The Dragon Painter, written by Mary McNeil Fenollosa in 1906, is a novel set in early 20th century Tokyo, Japan. It follows Kano Indara, an aging artist who struggles to maintain his traditional artistic values in the face of modern influences, as he mentors a young painter named Tatsu. The narrative explores themes of artistic integrity, legacy, and the clash between tradition and modernity, with Kano's daughter, Umè-ko, caught between her father's ambitions and her own feelings. This work highlights the complexities of Japanese social life and customs during the Meiji era (1868-1912).