Born in Tamba-Sasayama (formerly Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture). Senior disciple of Maruyama Okyo. His real family name was Kataoka; he was adopted by the Nagasawa family. His given name was Masakatsu. His nickname was Kazue, and besides Rosetsu, his pen-names included Inkyo and Ushu-ryoja. Through his use of bold composition and novel close-ups, he developed an original and witty style that was clearly distinct from Okyo’s elegant approach. It is said he had an open-minded personality, which led him to create striking and brightly cheerful paintings that deviated from his teacher’s style. Along with Shohaku and Jakuchu, he is known as one of the eccentric painters.