His artistic method relied on the realism of the Maruyama school. He moved away from the rigid formalism of the Kanō style to capture a more natural appearance. Gen Ki used delicate brushwork and soft washes of colour to render the texture of silk and the fine details of hair. In his paintings of Yang Guifei or Yanji, he combined human figures with botanical elements like peonies and orchids. These compositions were accessible to the public and reflected a shift toward art that mirrored the physical world.

These works appeal to those seeking a balance of historical depth and visual calm. The compositions are uncluttered. The focus remains on the central subject and their immediate surroundings. His use of light tones and precise lines ensures the prints do not overwhelm a room. They provide a sophisticated look into the Tokugawa shogunate era through a lens of refined realism.