Freer’s first Asian art purchase in 1887 was a painted Japanese fan. As Freer became increasingly interested in Japanese art, he visited Japan five times between 1895 and 1911, building a pioneering collection including: Buddhist works from the 7th–17th century; significant examples of both Rimpa and Kano school paintings; major works by the artists Hon’ami Kōetsu and Tawaraya Sōtatsu; Ukiyo-e paintings from the early 17th–19th century; the world's premier collection of paintings by Katsushika Hokusai; and the largest selection of ceramics outside of Japan by Ogata Kenzan.