He was a youthful noble with Chunagon (vice-councilor of state) KOSE no Notari as his father, but his rich artistic talent was recognized by the Imperial Court, and he flourished under the patronage of influential persons such as Emperor Uda and FUJIWARA no Mototsune.
中納言巨勢野足を父に持つ少壮貴族の出身であったが、その豊かな画才を朝廷に認められ、宇多天皇や藤原基経といった権力者の恩顧を得て活躍した。