Overview: Kyoto City University of Arts was founded in 1880. Its educational policy emphasizes shasei – painting from life through intensive observation to glean a subject's true essence. It continues a practice advocated by 18th-century Kyoto artist, Maruyama Okyo. The university's alumni include leading painters in the art world and artisans in Kyoto's traditional arts and crafts. Discover the ethos underlying Kyoto art through the eyes of contemporary students of Nihonga Japanese-style painting.