The pictures drawn on partitions in aristocratic residences and temples during the Heian period were Kara-e paintings (a Chinese style painting) on which historical events, scenery and customs in China were drawn, but he chose the beauty of nature and seasonal landscapes in Japan as subjects and established his peculiar style of painting.
平安時代の貴族の邸宅や寺院に描かれた障壁画は、中国の故事や風物を描いた唐絵であったが、日本の四季の花鳥風月や風景を主題に選び、独特の画法を確立した。