{"title":"Asia Week NY March 2026: Cats in Japanese Prints and Paintings","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Optima;\"\u003eJapanese prints and paintings with cats have always held a special attraction, much like the alluring yet unknowable felines themselves. In Japan, cats historically held the roles of mouser, companion, muse and even monster. This group of works, years in the making, includes 19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century classical Ukiyo-e prints and drawings of beauties with cats as well as ink paintings and prints from the early 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century that feature the felines as the primary subjects. For those interested in this subject we can highly recommend Rhiannon Paget's \u003cem\u003eDevine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art\u003c\/em\u003e, published in 2023.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Optima;\"\u003eWe will be showing the works in person in New York Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22, 2026 at our suite at the Mark Hotel in Manhattan. Click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/egenolfgallery.com\/pages\/print-fairs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e for more information.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"uta017","title":"Utamaro 歌麿: The Dream of the Cat 猫の夢 (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kitagawa Utamaro (1751-1806)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Cat Dreaming of Stealing a Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA sleeping cat has curled up atop a freshly unwrapped bolt of cloth (something rather naughty in and of itself), looking quite contented, almost smiling. We see its dream bubble above, as it has caught a fish. There is more to the dream-story, as the fish is being taken away by an angry-looking man, although the woman next to him looks more amused than anything. She holds a bamboo tube that might be used to help start a fire, as well as an empty plate, so she has perhaps been cooking. Utamaro designed several other prints with dream-bubbles, but the dreamers in those designs were humans. This design was used as a cover image for some Tuttle editions of the novel “I Am a Cat” by Natsume Soseki. This work is so scarce that none seem to survive with the colors intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban  \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utamaro hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good impression, fair\/poor color and condition. With restorations to the paper at top.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kitagawa Utamaro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584361816146,"sku":"UTA017","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/UTA017.jpg?v=1773168180"},{"product_id":"kuy455","title":"Kuniyoshi: Beauty and Cat Stretching and the Taoist Immortal Bukan (Published)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zen Priest Bukan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sixteen Female Sennin Charming Creatures (Enshi juroku josen)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1847\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCharming scene of a beauty and her cat both stretching after waking. From the humorous series that compares sixteen beauties with the sixteen Taoist Immortals (sennin), in the inset cartouche we see the Taoist Immortal Bukan, who was known for taming a tiger and riding atop it to his monastery. We see a beauty stretching with fingers interlocked and a sleepy expression, a few tendrils of stray hairs indicating that she has been asleep. The Taoist Immortal Bukan is also stretching above right, his face in a yawn, perhaps rising up from a nap with his pet tiger beside him. As Kuniyoshi has placed several open books on the floor, along with a hairpin, we are led to guess that she fell asleep reading. Beside her is her large white cat, its open mouth curling from a yawn, also stretching dramatically after napping. This exact print has been published full page in Rhiannon Paget’s book “Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Prints”, page 134. She writes in her description that the inscribed poem explains that the pair are drowsy because they woke up a at the hour of the tiger (equivalent to about 4 am). Perhaps they are waking from an afternoon nap the same day? Scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent color. Very good impression and condition. Minor trimming, with minor restored binding holes and backing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.3 x 24.2 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aritaya Kiyoemon  \u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiri  \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paget, Rhiannon. Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art. Tuttle (2023), p. 134 (this exact print is shown). See the cover of the 2006 Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art catalog featuring cats. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584565960786,"sku":"KUY455","price":3400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY455.jpg?v=1773108029"},{"product_id":"kunisada-seated-beauty-with-cat","title":"Kunisada: Seated Beauty with Cat from Famous Restaurants of Modern Times (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞 (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seated Beauty with Cat\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eA Collection of Famous Restaurants of Modern Times (Tōji kōmei kaiseki zukushi) (当時高名会席尽)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1822\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA beautiful courtesan seems to be settling in for a night by herself, her cat tucked in close to her for company.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHer extra-black hair is smooth and glossy, held by a few ornaments, and contrasts with the soft grey lines that have been used for the contours of her face. She sits near a hibachi that holds a large teapot and other items. A single teacup on the side has the toshidama pattern that Kunisada used as his seal for his work. The courtesan bends her neck forward and rubs her left hand on her right arm, a gesture of being bored on a lonely winter night. Her pet cat, wearing a red collar and bell, is rubbing himself against her as if it is sympathizing with her long night without a guest. She wears \u003ci\u003ewataire\u003c\/i\u003e, a thickly padded gown, with pattern of sho-o-chiku-bai, pine-bamboo-plum, a pattern for a happy occasion.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOver the gown, she seems to have a red shawl with a chained circle pattern. Early Kunisada prints like this one that are signed “Gototei” are considered the artist’s finest work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn the komae\/cartouche is the name of a restaurant Oni\/Ki? 鬼? in the district of Horie-cho. According to the \u003ci\u003eUkiyoe jiten,\u003c\/i\u003e this series consists of about 30 prints with the early Gototei Kunisada signature, all published by Yamaguchi T\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eō\u003c\/span\u003ebei.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith perfect, unfaded color on a large, untrimmed paper sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. As perfect as a 200-year-old print can be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 38.8 x 26 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yamaguchi Tobei\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Haraki Ukiyo-e Foundation, Cats of Many Varieties (2012), #61. See MFA for another example (this example in superior condition).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gototei Kunisada ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40229702729810,"sku":"KUS492","price":5800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS492.jpg?v=1667970283"},{"product_id":"yoshiiku-two-men-and-a-leopard","title":"Yoshiiku: Two Men and a Terrific Leopard (Ken Game of Tiger)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ochiai Yoshiiku (1833-1904)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two men and a leopard   \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7\/1860\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKen Game of Tiger. A serious-looking man startles his gun-toting companion with the same stare that the large leopard behind him seems to have. The leopard is skillfully rendered, at once playful and fierce. The Japanese would often use the same name for a tiger as they would to indicate a leopard (which they thought was what a female tiger looked like), and this animal was called a tiger at the time. Imported by Dutch traders through Yokohama, the exotic big cat drew tens of thousands of spectators when it was exhibited near Ryogoku Bridge in Edo during the 7th month of 1860. This work may be combining a form of playful satire with the terrific image of the big cat, who seems tamed by the seated official. Ken was a popular game that is comparable to rocks, paper, scissors. The text at top would seem to be a “new song” that translates into a playful commentary, perhaps about the differences between a cat, a leopard, and a tiger. There are several layers of humor here that the public at the time would have appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent\/very good impression and color and very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 36 x 23.8 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carver’s seal: Watanabe hori Ei (Watanabe Eizô)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ikkeisai Yoshiiku with the square Yoshikiri seal below\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ochiai Yoshiiku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41241000116306,"sku":"YII049","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/YII049copy.jpg?v=1729834948"},{"product_id":"kunisada-dancing-yokai-cats-from-the-story-of-okazaki-岡崎八ツ橋村の妖怪","title":"Kunisada: Dancing Yokai Cats from the story of Okazaki 岡崎八ツ橋村の妖怪","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eGhosts of Yatsuhashi Village in Okazaki (Okazaki Yasuhashi-mura no yôkai 岡崎八ツ橋村の妖怪)  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1847-1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe scene is a deserted old temple along the Tokaido Road where a group of travelers have stopped for the night. Living there is a peculiar old woman who wears the garments of a court lady. However, her true nature as a cat witch is eventually revealed. Exposed, she transforms into a giant cat and devours some of the travellers, but is eventually defeated and transforms into a large rock. The center\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esheet of this triptych shows an old woman, dancing with three cats on the stage set as a lonely, dilapidated inn in Okazaki on the Tokaido. Her powers have summoned the cats and she seems to lead them in dance, catlike, as three bakeneko stand upright and dance like drunken townspeople, tenugui draped about them in a\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ehumorous touch. Their forked tails also show that they have been transformed into supernatural beings, and their eyes glow yellow. The two heroic men on either side will certainly put a stop to this ghostly business by the end of the play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn the red center cartouche near the old woman, it reads Ghost of Neko-ishi\/Cat Stone (Neko-ishi no henge　猫石の変化)\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eNeko-ishi 猫石is a stone, which is naturally somewhat cat-like in shape, which, according to\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emany legends, has supernatural power. This stone, it is said, exists\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ein Yatsuhashi Village in Okazaki.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor Kabuki, Tsuruya Nanboku IV wrote “Solitary Journey of Fifty-Three Stations (hitori-dôchû gojû-san eki 独道中五十三駅) and performed at Kawarazaki Theater in June 1827. As the story goes, there appeared a monster cat in Okazaki temple, clad in jûni-hitoe, multiple layers of kimono, just like a court lady. Based on this story Kawatake Mokuami later wrote variations which were performed on the Kabuki stage. Here the white haired woman is dancing in dramatically arranged\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003elayers of kimono. Her fingers and toes inside the tabi socks are bent inward, indicating the hidden paws of a cat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOn the right sheet, the character Tamashima Itsutô 玉嶋逸當 stands with his arms crossed, and on the left, the character Tsukimoto Inabanosuke月本因幡之助 wears a dandyish kimono.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKunisada made some other designs on the same subject, and this print was created upon the request of Mori-ya Jihei, the publisher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis story, Ghosts of Yatsuhashi Village in Okazaki (Okazaki Yasuhashi-mura no yôkai 岡崎八ツ橋村の妖怪) is one of three\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emost famous legends of cat monsters, along with Nabejima 鍋島and Arima有馬 cat monster stories\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color; very good condition. Unbacked.  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (35.5 x 25 cm each sheet)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upon publisher’s request梓元の應需　Toyokuni ga豊国画\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moriya Jihei 森屋治兵衛\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences:\u003c\/strong\u003e See MFA website. See\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e“Something Wicked”, page 141. Hiraki Ukiyo-e Foundation, Nyan to mo neko darake\/ Cats of Many Varieties (2012), #182.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42318982185042,"sku":"KUS617","price":4200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS617.jpg?v=1772862214"},{"product_id":"kunisada-dancing-cats-and-possessed-widow-from-the-play-hana-no-saga-nekomata-hanashi","title":"Kunisada: Dancing Cats and Possessed Widow from the play Hana no Saga Nekomata Hanashi (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eHana no Saga Neko ma Hanashi 花埜嵯峨猫魔稿 \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1853\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKabuki triptych from the play “Hana no Saga Nekoma Hanashi ” 花埜嵯峨猫魔稿 showing a possessed widow with ghostly dancing cats on either side.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIn the center sheet is the widow Saga 後室さがの方, played by Ichikawa Kodanji IV, depicted holding a child while also dancing in a rather possessed catlike manner. On the right is Itô Sôta 伊東壮太, played by Ichikawa Danjuro VIII and on the left, the concubine Kochô 胡蝶, played by Onoe Baiko IV. Sôta is behind the screen, watching what is happening and seemingly about to take action by putting his hand on his sword. In the center is the possessed widow Saga with long white hair, with both hands positioned just like cat’s paws. Her dancing motion is depicted in her swinging kimono, especially around her right leg, which she pulls up high in the air as both hands move towards\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe left. On both sides, two children are coming out from the screen and dancing with the widow Saga. On the screen itself we see two empty outlines by a well under a tree– they seem to have now come to life. (It is said in one version that the dead body was thrown into a well. Also in a ghost story often a ghost comes out of a well.) Behind each child we see cats dancing, imitating each posture of the children. The cats themselves seem to be dissolving into ghostliness in their lower bodies. Princess Kochô\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eat left looks back towards what is happening with mild alarm front of a screen with maple leaves. Her kimono has gorgeous chrysanthemums and peony, kan-botan, showing the autumnal season.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHer hands also seem to be clenched, perhaps helpless not be somewhat carried along by these supernatural events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHere, to avoid the wrath of censors,\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003einstead of the Saga han\/clan 佐賀藩, a phonetically same Saga-no 嵯峨野 in Kyoto is used in this title.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis play was written by Segawa Jyokô III, based on the crises surrounding the change in control in the 16th century of the Saga Clan of Hizen (present Saga Prefecture and a part of Nagasaki Pref.), which was told in many different ways around this time period. One legend is as follows: A cat ghost tormented Nabeshima Mitsumori, the Lord who killed the son of the widow Saga (Ryûzôji Matashichirô) during a hotheaded moment in a game of go. In her sorrow, she killed herself after lamenting her son’s death to her cat. After having licked her blood, the cat became possessed by her vengeful spirit and entered Nabeshima’s castle and tormented Mitsushige every night. His loyal retainer, Komori Hanzaemon, later\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ekilled this cat and saved the Nabeshima Clan. In an interesting historical note, this Kabuki play “Hana no Saga Nekoma hanashi” 花埜嵯峨猫魔稿, actually had to be cancelled due to the protests from the Saga Clan in 1853.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Some binding holes on rightmost sheet and minor trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (36.4 x 25 cm each sheet)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eToyokuni ga豊国画  \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Yamamoto Heikichi \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eReferences:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ePaget, Rhiannon. Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art. Tuttle (2023), p. 125.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42319331950674,"sku":"KUS602","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS602.jpg?v=1772862372"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-国芳-kamada-matahachi-killing-a-monstrous-cat-in-the-mountains-of-ise-province","title":"Kuniyoshi 国芳: Kamada Matahachi Killing a Monstrous Cat in the Mountains of Ise Province","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eKamada Matahachi Killing a Monstrous Cat in the Mountains of Ise Province (Kamada Matahachi Seishū Matsuzaka no hito musō kyōryoku nari dōkoku Suzuka no sanchū nite toshifuru daineko wo korosu)  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1840\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA giant, muscled monster calico cat with yellow eyes is pinned against the ground by Matahachi, who readies his sword for the final stroke. With the vibrant action unique to Kuniyoshi, the hero’s garments sway actively with his movements, and we feel the anguish and anger of the monster cat, trapped at last. The hero’s face is framed by halos of flowing hair, and his skin features chiarascuro, which emphasizes his own musculature. We can see we are in a fantastical space by the cavelike background and exotic flowering plants. In the background we glimpse the cat monster’s forked tail. The cat’s fur features blindprinting.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKamada Matahachi was a heroic figure featured in several stories in the kurohon light fiction genre. Born in Matsuzaka in Ise, he traveled to Edo to perform heroic deeds and vanquish evildoers. Here he is shown getting the better of a monstrous cat that lurked in the mountains of Sieshu. This episode is based on an earlier book from 1769, \u003cem\u003eKamada matahachi bakemono taiji\u003c\/em\u003e. The mercurial nature of cats, combined with their penchant for hunting and unknowable mien, made them ripe for transformation into monsters. Scarce, especially in this condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression; very good color and condition. Some trimming at top and bottom and fold line. Some paper remnants recto along rightmost edge. \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.9 x 25.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsutaya Kichizo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences: \u003c\/strong\u003eRobinson, B.W. KUNIYOSHI The Warrior Prints p.10. Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 78, pp. 210-211. Paget, Rhiannon. Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art. Tuttle (2023), p. 131. \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eNational Museum of Asian Art. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42319336603730,"sku":"KUY642","price":5800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY642.jpg?v=1772862658"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-国芳-beauty-with-clambering-cat-oo-itai-おお-いたい","title":"Kuniyoshi 国芳: Beauty With Enthusiastically Clambering Cat (Oo, itai おお,いたい)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eOo, itai おお,いたい (No. 7 Ouch! That hurts!) \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eCelebrated Products of Mountains and Seas 山海目出度圖會 Sankai medetai zue\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA feisty pet bobtailed cat clambers up his owner's kimono, digging in his claws in the process. She has obvious affection for the cat, but at the moment she is not too keen on the attention. The title reflects the feeling of “It hurts!”, the humorous title of the work. We can imagine the sharp points of the cat’s claws inadvertently causing pain as it digs them in. In the inset vignette we see a giant octopus threatening a man in a small boat in Etchû Province; the man has even severed a tentacle with a long knife. In this humorous comparison, perhaps the woman feels overwhelmed by the needs of her kitty, and he seems to have as many claws as the octopus has tentacles. In this series, we see bijin of various occupations and social strata expressing a specific desire or feeling. In the background a Kuniyoshi pupil draws a comparison of sorts with famous regional products. The celebrated product is Giant octopus from the Nameri River in Etchû. The cat’s fur features extensive blindprinting, as does the red layer of the beauty’s garments. One of the strongest cat designs in ukiyo-e, by the artist who is most celebrated for his cat depictions. Scarce, especially in this condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. Minor binding holes at left, but otherwise exceptionally fresh.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36 x 25 cm) \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/strong\u003eTsutaya Kichizo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See: Robinson 1961, no. 117; Amsterdam 1998, no. 154; Madison 2007, no. 152;\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAnother example exhibited: 2009 Mar-Jun, London, Royal Academy, Kuniyoshi: From the Arthur R. Miller Collection. Nobuhisa, Kaneko, Cats in Ukiyo-e: Japanese Woodblock print of Utagawa Kuniyoshi (2012), page 62. See British Museum, Chazen Museum. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e kiri  \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42319486353490,"sku":"KUY638","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY638_3fa177da-2c12-4d3d-aae6-40468653cf19.jpg?v=1772862984"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-kashiwade-no-hanoshi-killing-a-tiger膳臣巴提使","title":"Kuniyoshi: Kashiwade no Hanoshi Killing a Tiger 膳臣巴提使","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kashiwade no Hanoshi 膳臣巴提使\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eight Hundred Heroes of Our Country’s Suikoden All Told (Honchô Suikoden gôyû happyakunin no hitori) \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1830-32\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKashiwade no Hanoshi has pinned an enormous tiger to the ground, his blade drawn and expression fierce. Both warrior and cat have eyes that bulge with blue intensity. According to Timothy Clark (see reference below), the text on the print states that Kashiwade was sent to Korea during the reign of Emperor Kinmei, and that when a wild tiger attacked a child in Kashiwade’s party that the warrior tracked the tiger into snow-covered mountains and killed it. Despite this text that is written on the print, his viewers in the 1830s would have known that this is really a portrait of the warrior Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611), and that he is hunting a tiger during the Korean expedition in the 1590s under the order of Hideyoshi. Kiyomasa wore this very distinctive helmet and his garments have patterns associated with him. Censorship regulations banned references to historic events later than 1592, in part because the ruling Tokugawa family had pretty much destroyed Hideyoshi’s descendants. Kiyomasa remained a popular subject in warrior prints nonetheless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression and color; good\/very good condition. Some light surface wrinkles and minor areas of restoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 38 x 25.5 cm  \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kagaya Kichiemon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Robinson #S4a.8. See British Museum, MFA Boston collections. Clark, Timothy. Kuniyoshi: From the Arthur R. Miller Collection. London: Royal Academy of Arts, 2009, page 54, number 12.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320533520466,"sku":"KUY643","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY643.jpg?v=1772864134"},{"product_id":"chikanobu-meiji-woman-reading-a-newspaper-with-sleeping-cat-on-her-lap","title":"Chikanobu: Meiji Woman Reading a Newspaper with Sleeping Cat On Her Lap (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yōshū Chikanobu (1838-1912)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sumidagawa \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1890\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eMagic Lantern Comparison (Gento shashin kurabe)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA woman leans on a table covered with a patterned yellow tablecloth, idly fidgeting with her hairpin, absorbed in her reading. She leans to her left to read a newspaper, and a cat sits cozily on her lap. She may be reading the Yomiuri Shimbun, which was popular at the time and had a large circulation. It may have been publishing fiction, as the large image in the center might refer to a serialized novel–the woman is engrossed in a way that might indicate excellent storytelling. In the Magic Lantern circle inset, we see a woman on a boat in winter on the Sumida River. Perhaps this woman is reading a story that involves a heroine taking a ferry in winter in this landscape. Magic lanterns that used projected glass slides were known as gentô in the Meiji period, and were very popular at the time, and were even used as educational aids. There is blindprinting on the fur of the cat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe V\u0026amp;A catalog has translated this series as “Daydreams by Magic Lantern”, although this would be a very nontraditional translation of “kurabe”, which is generally translated as comparison or competition. Perhaps it does show women where they are vs. where they’d like to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/strong\u003eYokoyama Ryohachi \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition. With minor spot in inset cartouche that seems to be color transfer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 37.3 x 24.8 cm  \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yôshû Chikanobu hitsu \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yōshū Chikanobu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320536272978,"sku":"CHK080","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/CHK080.jpg?v=1773166097"},{"product_id":"utagawa-yoshiiku-actor-seki-sanjuro-iii-with-cat-三代目関三十郎","title":"Utagawa Yoshiiku: Actor Seki Sanjuro III With Cat 三代目関三十郎","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ochiai (\u003cspan\u003eUtagawa) \u003c\/span\u003eYoshiiku (1833-1904)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eActor Seki Sanjuro III With Cat 三代目関三十郎\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003ePortraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e真寫月花の姿絵\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1867\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSilhouette portrait of the actor Seki Sanjûrô III holding a cat. We can imagine that the actor was very fond indeed of his feline to have been holding the cat for this portrait, and the cat’s likeness seems very considered. The actor wears his hair in the traditional Edo period hairstyle for men. Above we see the actor in a role where he wears a yukata decorated with the theme of pine branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis interesting series was inspired by popular shadow performances, which were performed in front of a sliding door with a bright light behind them, as well as the development of photographs by camera.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eYoshiiku created this series of works that portray the silhouettes of 36 famous actors, comparing them to the 36 Immortal Poets. They seem to have been done from life, with the actors actually sitting for their portraits behind a screen, as this is illustrated in the preface for the series. It is unusual in ukiyo-e to see actors portrayed in a way that may be today considered “realistic”, as features were generally stylized within certain artistic conventions. Above left  we see the actor in a more conventional portrait within a flower-shaped cartouche. A related poem is above, perhaps written or inspired by the actor. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition. Restored binding holes in left extra margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.3 x 23 cm)  \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maruya Tokuzo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:  \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Brooklyn Museum and the MFA both have this work in their collections. Nagata et al, The New York and New Jersey Ukiyo-e Collection (exh. cat., 1997), #100.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chōkarō Yoshiiku sha 朝霞楼芳幾写\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ochiai Yoshiiku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320537124946,"sku":"YII031","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/YII031.jpg?v=1773166061"},{"product_id":"kunisada-ii-cat-carrying-love-letter-for-the-third-princess-in-the-tale-of-genji","title":"Kunisada II: Cat Carrying Love Letter for the Third Princess in the Tale of Genji","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada II (1823-1880)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Oak Tree (Kashiwagi) かしわ木　三十六  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1857\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eChapter 36. Scene where the Third Princess peeks from behind a hanging slatted screen, her cat on a leash obediently carrying a love letter in its mouth to a man standing on her porch. This is Kashiwagi, who holds a kemari ball, which is used in the aristocratic court game Kemari; this character famously played this game with Prince Genji. Kashiwagi has an affair with the Third Princess , and this chapter focuses on the fallout from that affair. The cat’s fur features blindprinting. Above, the cartouche features shells, one with the Genji-ko chapter symbols used to identify each of the 54 Chapters. The second, matching shell has a poem connected to the chapter, linking this series visually to the shell matching game that was very popular at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. Fold line a few mm along left margin.  \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36 x 25.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsutaya Kichizo  \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Baichôrô Kunisada ga 梅蝶楼国貞画\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee the Van Gogh Museum collection, Amsterdam and the MFA Boston collection.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBremen-Ito, K. van, Gulik, W.R. van, Kodera, Tsukasa, Rappard-Boon, C. van, Japanese prints : catalogue of the Van Gogh Museum's collection, Zwolle, 2006, p. 332. Hiraki Ukiyo-e Foundation, Nyan to mo neko darake\/ Cats of Many Varieties (2012), #15; Kubo Tsunehiko and Sons Collection Ukiyo-e Hanga (2004), #42-36; the series: Marks et al., Genji's World (2012), list #G360 (no photos)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada II","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320770629714,"sku":"KIS011","price":875.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KIS011.jpg?v=1773166032"},{"product_id":"kunisada-reading-shopkeeper-beauty-and-stretching-cat","title":"Kunisada: Reading Bookstore Beauty and Stretching Cat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reading Bookstore Beauty and Stretching Cat\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1820s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reading beauty looks up at her stretching cat. Scene of a bookstore on Hikage Street in Edo on a winter’s day. A woman working at a bookstore and seated beneath a kotatsu warmer seems to be bored as her cat stretches as if it is reflecting the winter day mood of the slow pace of her business. Hikage, (see the writing on a shop sign on the pillar) means shadow and Hikage Street runs near Shinbashi, from south of Shibaguchi Bridge towards Udagawa Bridge, parallel to the main Tokaido. It flourished with souvenir shops for travellers such as shops for oil, books, Ukiyo-e, blades and knives, and materials for kendô. It was the only shopping street in Edo where security guards were posted. It is said that this street was in the shadow of the residences of sam\u003cimg\u003eurai families, which were situated on the west side of Hikage Street. Her family crest is on her gown as well as on the cover of the kotatsu warmer; these are decorated with paulownia (kiri) patterns, which indicate the name of the shop. She must be an educated woman, who reads and plays the shamisen, which is leaned against the wall behind her. On the wall a number of surimono are displayed and the notebooks of receipts are hooked on the rail, giving us an interesting glimpse into how prints were sold in the Edo Period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. Fold line along left edge and minor restoration to upper left corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36 x 25 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waseda University website.   \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gototei Kunisada ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320772694098,"sku":"KUS610","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS610.jpg?v=1773165981"},{"product_id":"kunichika-kabuki-competition-of-good-guys-and-bad-guys-depicted-in-funny-cats","title":"Kunichika: Kabuki Competition of Good Guys and Bad Guys, Depicted in Funny Cats (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika 国周 (1835-1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Competition of Good Guys and Bad Guys, Depicted in Funny Cats\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e(\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChin neko mitate zen-aku kurabe \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e珍猫見立善悪競)  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1884, October 29\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHumorous ranking of kabuki actors\/kabuki roles, with the actors’ faces all depicted as cats. Each wears the costume of their role, and carries the stage prop associated with a famous scene of their character. There are eighty in total, and in the identifying cartouches spell out the name of the actor, the name of the role, and the amount in yen that comprises a ranking\/fee, as well as the kabuki house (yagô 屋号) to which they belong. The highest value\/rank seems to belong to Ichikawa Danjuro (pictured in the middle sheet, standing and wearing the Chushingura robe), who is given a value of 3000 yen. This amount may be what the actor’s reported fee was, but it would have perhaps more to do with his perceived market value and box office draw. His role is The man of matchless loyalty; Akô; Ôishi Kuranosuke Yoshitaka 誠忠　赤穂　大石内藏助良雄.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eSecond in value is Ichikawa Sadanji, who is shown in a crouched position on the rightmost sheet next to a green cartouche and wearing a blue robe. His role is man of self-sacrifice; Sakura; Kiuchi Sôgorô 義民 佐倉 木之内宗五郎 , and his value is 2700 yen, and his house is Takashima-ya. These rankings were of great interest to kabuki fans, but this is more of a mitate, or humorous comparison, so it seems to be presented with a wink and a cat grin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNagashima Shungyo 永島春暁 (mentioned on the far right in blue at top)\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eis the one who presents this ranking list of good and evil roles in the Kabuki dramas. From the right, it begins with high-ranking good guys, and from the center left to the framed title with high ranking bad guys–some female roles are also included. At the far left the date of delivery is mentioned\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ein yellow, and the artist’s real name Arakawa Yasohachi 荒川八十八 and the name of publisher Fukuda Tamotsu福田　保 is written in blue. With thanks to Michiko Sato Grube, who has identified all of the actors and roles--this large amount of information is provided separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. With areas of luxurious metallic pigments.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (37.4 x 25 cm each sheet)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upon request Kunichika hitsu 應需　豊原国周筆\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paget, Rhiannon. Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art. Tuttle (2023), p. 143.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fukuda Tamotsu　福田　保\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320797335634,"sku":"KCA135","price":4200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KCA135.jpg?v=1773172546"},{"product_id":"kunichika-woman-sewing-with-playful-cat-published","title":"Kunichika: Woman Sewing with Playful Cat (Published) (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eight pm, gogo hachiju\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eScenes of the Twenty-four Hours, A Pictorial Comparison  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1891\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA beauty pauses her sewing, surprised by her pet cat, who seems to be clawing at her piece of red fabric. She is perhaps prepared to scold her pet by the expression on her face, which contrasts with the look of mischievous delight on the cat’s face. The cat features blindprinting on its fur, and pink outlines around its features and yellow eyes. We see a standing lantern and lacquered pincushion stand at left, and in the cartouche are pictured scissors, a ruler and red thread. The lantern is even casting a subtle glow of light which may be seen as a soft pink line at lower left. The poem in the inset cartouche that is in the shape of a western pocket watch reads: Knitting her brow\/her shoulders ache\/–needlework. The homonym for hachiji (8 o-clock) is included in the expression hach no ji wo [o] yosete, or “knitting ones brow”, as mentioned in the poem. This exact print was published full page in the book “A courtesan’s day: hour by hour”, page 160, number 20. This is “8 pm”, Gogo hachiju.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. Unbacked and untrimmed; mint. With luxurious printing effects, including lacquer-imitating, mica highlights and blindprinting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 38 x 25 cm \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyoharu Kunichika hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fukada Kumajiro\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seigle, Cecilia Segawa, Tim Clark, Alfred Marks, and Amy Reigle Newland. A Courtesan’s Day: Hour by Hour, Amsterdam: Hotei Publishing, 2004, page 160, number 20 (this exact print is pictured).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320812179538,"sku":"KCA134","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KCA134_eed854f8-f893-413d-9a2c-a8fe69ab52b2.jpg?v=1773165946"},{"product_id":"kunisada-seated-beauty-cuddling-a-happy-cat","title":"Kunisada 国貞: Seated Beauty Cuddling a Happy Cat (Sold)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞 (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Restaurant Nabegin in Ôsaka-chô (大坂町　なべぎん) \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eA Collection of Famous Restaurants of Modern Times (Tōji kōmei kaiseki zukushi) (当時高名会席尽)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1822\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA beauty, seated with her knees up, cuddles a cat close to her in a most alluring way. The cat seems almost hypnotized by the affection, its posture one of entranced delight and its collar hanging loosely, echoing the relaxed pose. In the cartouche, we see the entrance to the Restaurant Nabegin \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e鍋銀\u003c\/span\u003e in Osaka-cho, located in the old Yoshiwara area. The woman has pulled her hands inwards from her sleeves, and wraps the kitty with a warm embrace, holding him tightly to her chest with both hands. Such spontaneous intimacy would perhaps create envious thoughts in male viewers of the time of trading places with the cat. The beauty wears her hair in a simple chignon with a red band and a single comb and hairpin. Her kimono features a red komon pattern and covers her bent legs; a long sleeveless coat in purple with a black collar runs down from her shoulder; a black tie behind–all the clothing flows down beautifully onto tatami floor. In front of the opening of kimono a part of her foot peeps out underneath layers of kimono and a glimpse of her red-under-kimono. The scene conveys very cozy, intimate atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAccording to The Ukiyoe Jiten (encyclopedia by Yoshida Eiji, 1972) this series contains about 30 works, all published by Yamaguchi-ya. Different from Hiroshige’s series “Collection of Famous Restaurants in Edo \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e江戸高名会亭尽\u003c\/span\u003e, this series has beauties in the center of the composition and in a koma-e (cartouche) the picture, name and place of the restaurants. The series is considered to be quite influential, depicting each geisha with characteristics of the places. This series inspired other artists such as Yoshiiku, Yoshitoshi, and Kunichika, who followed with their similar series. From Kunisada’s finest artistic period. Scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition; mint. As perfect as a 200-year-old print can be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 38 x 25.7 cm  \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yamaguchi Tobei\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e There is an inferior example in the Hiraki Ukiyo-e collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gototei Kunisada ga 五渡亭国貞画\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323378274386,"sku":"KUS599","price":13800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS599.jpg?v=1773165862"},{"product_id":"kunisada-beauty-holding-cat-bando-mitsugoro-vi-as-okoma","title":"Kunisada: Beauty Holding Cat; Bando Mitsugoro VI as Okoma","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eHa Brigade, First Group, Suginomori: Actor Bandô Mitsugorô VI as Shirokiya Okoma 「白木やおこま　坂東三津五郎」（六代目）\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edo no hana meisho-e (Flowers of Edo and Views of Famous Places)江戸の花名勝会  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1863\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe see a young beauty with a checked kimono hugging a cat close to her. The role of Okoma is from the play Koi Musume Mukashi Hachijo; she is a main character who is falsely accused of murder whose family are timber merchants. She looks to the left, and we see a rooster atop a torii in a panel by Asai Osui. Above, we see planks of wood, one being sawed thin, for a factory that makes wooden geta clogs. This upper image of a lumber yard at Shiraki Village is by Utagawa Sadahide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe term “Flowers of Edo” (Edo no hana) here refers to the terrible and common occurrence of fires, for which there were many fire brigades active throughout the city. The title panel shows the lanterns and identifying standard (matoi) for the brigade of firefighters (hikeshi) assigned to this district.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe title gives the name or number of a brigade, its group, and its district, followed by the kabuki scene chosen to match it. There is a lot going on in each design, as in the upper right are the standards and lanterns for specific fire brigades, and on the upper left are usually magic lantern slides. Then there are one or two designs that comprise the lower portion, with Kunisada designing the actor portrait and various (21! in total for the series) other artists designing the landscape scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35 x 24.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katôya Iwazoô (Seibei)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA website and FAMSF, Waseda University websites.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323412516946,"sku":"KUS601","price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS601_57b58a14-01c5-48fe-8256-76756995dcf4.jpg?v=1773173740"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-original-preparatory-drawing-of-a-cat-and-dragonfly","title":"Kuniyoshi: Original Preparatory Drawing of a Cat and Dragonfly","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original drawing of a Seated Couple and a Cat Looking at a Dragonfly for an Illustrated Novel (Gôkan)  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca 1830s-1840s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOriginal preparatory drawing for an illustrated novel (gokan). We see a couple having a difficult conversation; the man is clearly uncomfortable by his posture, and the woman is shielding her face with her sleeve, indicating that she is probably in tears. In a bit of subtle Kuniyoshi humor, the artist has drawn a cat looking up at a dragonfly that flies in front of a standing lamp (andon), oblivious to the intense drama of the humans. Kuniyoshi is known for the finest cat designs in all of ukiyo-e, and he surrounded himself with them in his own studio. He would study their forms and movements and sketch from life. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGokan (illustrated novels) were the main vehicle of Japanese fiction in terms of quantity throughout the 19th century, and due to their popularity about 40 or 50 new titles a year were produced from about 1807 to 1867. Gokan were the most elaborate of the kusazoshi, “grass books”, which included serial productions for works that included the blockbuster \u003cem\u003eInaka Genji\u003c\/em\u003e. All kusazoshi used smaller sizes of paper, and the illustrations were a critical part of their composition and appeal. As almost all kusazoshi were produced in Edo, we could see why Kuniyoshi would be a favorite of publishers and authors, as his imagination was without limit and he could produce lively narrative illustrations in a way that knew no equal. We can appreciate the mastery of his brush even in this small format, with almost every aspect of each figure coming out fully formed and posed perfectly, with no corrections. Interestingly, text and illustrations shared each page, with the illustration drawn first and then the dialogue\/narration was added to fill up the blank space. We can see here how there is quite a bit of blank space around the figures. Provenance: Samuel Tuke\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good condition overall. With binding holes at left and two areas where the artist tested his brush in the right margin. We see a tiny scribbled foot that might be considered a doodle for a different design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16.8 x 20.4 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323483918418,"sku":"DRW507","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/DRW507.jpg?v=1773165761"},{"product_id":"kunisada-young-woman-holding-book-and-looking-down-at-her-cat","title":"Kunisada: Young Woman Holding Book and Looking Down at Her Cat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e An Auspicious Day to Welcome a Bride（Yome-tori yoshi嫁とりよし）\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1844\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Images From Auspicious Days in the Flower Calendar (hana-goyomi kichijitsu no sugata花暦吉日姿)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA young woman looks charmed by her cat, adjusting her hairpin with her right hand and looking down at the cat with gentle amusement.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIn her left arm she holds a famous educational book of women’s “morals and manners” of the time, “On’na teikin gosho bunnko” 女庭訓御所文庫. The cover shows the index, with topics such as a wise women’s role in the family, the proper attitude towards a husband, harmony with men, etc. She seems to come from a prosperous family, as she wears several layers of fashionable kimono. The design cleverly pulls our eye towards the cat at lower right, even though the feline is mostly hidden. His fur features blindprinting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe title ‘hana-goyomi’ means a calendar with beautiful seasonal flowers and here probably refers to the good days for ladies to do various activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eJapanese calendar days have \u003c\/span\u003efavorable days based on traditional systems like Rokuyô 六曜, an ancient type of cyclical calendar with its origins in China.  Taian (大安) is the most auspicious day for weddings, new business, etc.. Senjitsu選日. Examples include Tenchashōbi (天赦日 - heaven's forgiveness day) or Ichiryu Manbaibi (一粒万倍日 - a single seed brings ten thousand grains). T\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003ehese days are chosen as auspicious days for ceremonies and beginning something new. Kichijitsu吉日 refers to these auspicious days.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAt top, Mantei Ôga 万亭おう賀(1819-1890) has written his comments on welcoming a bride. He was known for his conservative opinions against enlightenment progressive movement members such as Kanagaki Robun 仮名垣魯文. At the end of the text, it says：Author作者 Mantei Ôga 万亭おう賀 plus two red seals Ô 應 and ga賀. The following ten titles are known in this series: An auspicious day for wearing a new dress着そ始めよし; for a boat trip船乗よし; for cutting nails爪とりよし;for a ceremony of coming-of-age元服よ;、for departing for a trip旅立よ;、for sowing seeds種蒔よ; for welcoming a bride嫁取りよ; for moxibustion 灸すえよし; for everything万よし; for opening the hearth(for the first tea ceremony)炉開けよし.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Minor hinging remnants, verso and areas of paper thinning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 35 x 24.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See MFA Boston collection. The series: Schaap, Kunisada (exh. cat., 2016), checklist 1-99.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kunisada aratame Nidai Toyokuni ga 国貞改二代豊国画\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323857965138,"sku":"KUS600","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS600.jpg?v=1773171860"},{"product_id":"hokuba-brush-drawing-of-beauty-delighted-by-her-cat","title":"Hokuba: Brush Drawing of Beauty Delighted by her Cat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Teisai Hokuba (1771-1844)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brush Drawing of Beauty Delighted by her Cat  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1840s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA woman is seated next to a brazier that supports a teapot. She leans forward towards her cat who is curled up on the floor, covering her sleeve and smiling with amused delight. The texts read: “Gejo inari ninkann o shite shô ichii”, which seems to refer to the woman, Inari shrine and granting official rank. Perhaps the cat is being ranked, in a tongue in cheek manner?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTeisai Hokuba was a talented designer of surimono and a student of Katushika Hokusai. This comes from an album of Hokuba drawings and poems that was sold at Sotheby’s London in February, 1963. Provenance: From the personal collection of Herbert Egenolf. LACMA has 13 drawings from this same album by Hokuba in its collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 27.2 x 19.4 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good condition overall; binding holes along right margin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Teisai Hokuba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323869368402,"sku":"DRW415","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/DRW415.jpg?v=1773171912"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-original-preparatory-drawing-of-a-cat-playing-with-a-ball-at-new-years","title":"Kuniyoshi: Original Preparatory Drawing of a Cat Playing with a Ball at New Year's","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original drawing of a Cat Interrupting a New Year's game of temari\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca 1830s-1840s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOriginal preparatory drawing for an ehon (illustrated book). Kuniyoshi flexes his storytelling genius here, creating a coherent scene without a single wasted stroke of his brush. We see a group of young women clustered on the floor; they wear the long-sleeved kimono (furisode) of unmarried girls. They have been playing the new year’s game involving a temari ball; we know it is the new year by the shrine carefully placed in the background with the large ceremonial rice cakes topped with citrus. A man has just entered the scene, and he sees that the girls’ activities have been interrupted by a cat, who has grabbed the ball to the surprise of everyone in the scene. There are some blank cartouches that Kuniyoshi has drawn, so this might be intended for a book that is not a gokan, also because there is not much blank space for the tightly-spaced writing found in gokan. Kuniyoshi is known for his love of cats and for his amusing and highly studied depictions of cats; in a famous image in the 1877 “Kyosai gadan” illustrated book, his student Kyosai shows Kuniyoshi’s studio with numerous cats surrounding Kuniyoshi, including one tucked into the master’s kimono as he leans over to demonstrate his brushwork to a student.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGokan (illustrated novels) were the main vehicle of Japanese fiction in terms of quantity throughout the 19th century, and due to their popularity about 40 or 50 new titles a year were produced from about 1807 to 1867. Gokan were the most elaborate of the kusazoshi, “grass books”, which included serial productions for works that included the blockbuster \u003cem\u003eInaka Genji\u003c\/em\u003e. All kusazoshi used smaller sizes of paper, and the illustrations were a critical part of their composition and appeal. As almost all kusazoshi were produced in Edo, we could see why Kuniyoshi would be a favorite of publishers and authors, as his imagination was without limit and he could produce lively narrative illustrations in a way that knew no equal. We can appreciate the mastery of his brush even in this small format, with almost every aspect of each figure coming out fully formed and posed perfectly, with no corrections. Interestingly, text and illustrations shared each page, with the illustration drawn first and then the dialogue\/narration was added to fill up the blank space. We can see here how there is quite a bit of blank space around the figures. Provenance: Samuel Tuke\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good condition overall. Unbacked. Binding holes at left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17 x 20.4 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323908984914,"sku":"DRW506","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/DRW506.jpg?v=1773174370"},{"product_id":"natori-shunsen-sitting-black-cat","title":"Natori Shunsen: Sitting Black Cat (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natori Shunsen (1886-1960)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sitting Black Cat  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1950\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA seated black cat gazes expectantly up, its deep yellow eyes glowing like jewels. As noted by Rhiannon Paget (see reference), the cat delivers the psychological intensity of the kabuki actor portraits for which the artist is best known. We see the combination of shin hanga and sosaku hanga techniques here, as the cat has a more rough-edged, stylized form, including eyes that are more diamond-shaped than round. The cat, although seated, floats like its own planet against a silver halo that blends beautifully into a grey background.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eWith a limited edition seal, verso, numbered 82 out of an edition of 250. Scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. One tiny ding to paper in background.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watanabe Shôzaburô   \u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Artist’s seal  \u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41 x 27 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paget, Rhiannon. Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art. Tuttle (2023), p. 49.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Natori Shunsen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42323918422098,"sku":"SHN020","price":2600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/SHN020.jpg?v=1773174411"},{"product_id":"hiroshige-white-cat-in-window-gazing-at-asakusa-ricefields-and-torinomachi-festival","title":"Hiroshige 広重: White Cat in Window Gazing at Asakusa Ricefields and Torinomachi Festival (Reserved)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重 \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e(1797-1858)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Asakusa Ricefields and Torinomachi Festival \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e浅草田甫酉の\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e One Hundred Famous Views of Edo 名所江戸百景 (\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMeisho Edo Hyakkei)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11\/1857\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA white cat contentedly takes in the view the from the window of a courtesan in the Yoshiwara pleasure district. The signs of the occupant are everywhere, although she is sensed rather than seen. At left we see a packet of hair pins in the shape of small rakes, one already pulled out, probably to admire in front of the client; these symbolize “raking in” wealth in the year ahead, and may be seen as a gift from her client. We see intimacy tissues, a rinsing bowl and a towel--perhaps she has just said goodbye to a client. Although some have surmised that the courtesan and her client might still be behind the privacy screen at left, to this viewer the room feels quite empty of people, and I’d guess that the cat would be turned towards any activity in the room. The cat has its innate feline detachment, and this, combined with the literal bars on the windows, help to create the feeling of being a world away from the huge procession of people in the fields of the middle distance. The crowds are gathered for the Torinomachi Festival, the busiest day of the year in the Yoshiwara. Perhaps the most celebrated cat design in all of ukiyo-e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.8 x 24.2 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uoya Eikichi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Henry Smith II: Hiroshige One Hundred Famous View of Edo, plate 101. Paget, Rhiannon. Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art. Tuttle (2023), p. 61. See The Art Institute of Chicago, the Brooklyn Museum, the National Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of art and many other museum collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aratame \u0026amp; Snake Year\/11th month (1857) 11\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hiroshige ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Hiroshige","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42324199997522,"sku":"HIC201S","price":40000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/HIC201S.jpg?v=1773179860"},{"product_id":"chiura-obata-watercolor-painting-of-a-sleeping-tabby-cat","title":"Chiura Obata:  Watercolor Painting of a Sleeping Tabby Cat (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chiura Obata   (1885-1975)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watercolor Painting of a Sleeping Tabby Cat  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1930s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLife-sized portrait of a curled-up sleeping tabby. Obata uses dry, narrow brushstrokes for the whiskers, and masterful, aqueous brushstrokes for the body and tail. Our attention is drawn to the face, which he has perfectly captured, and the form of the body is also flawless. Obata’s mastery of the brush was so complete that he could paint in many different styles, all of them unique to his experience and training. As Obata himself wrote “...if the artist is full of individuality, the product is also full of individuality, and it is a true artwork.” (See page 127 of Chiura Obata: An American Modern).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eObata’s economy of line and mastery of the brush are practically unequalled in 20th c. American art. He influenced a generation of California artists, and at his own count taught more than 10,000 students. The University of California, Berkeley preserved many of his paintings and sketches while Obata and his family were interned in Utah during WWII. The most recent exhibition of Obata’s work ran for the first half of 2024 at SFMOMA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. With a certificate of authenticity from the estate of the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSigned: \u003c\/strong\u003eChiura Obata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good condition overall. With a backing verso that is partially peeled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 39.5 x 52.8 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chiura Obata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42324319305810,"sku":"OBA159","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/OBA159.jpg?v=1773202141"},{"product_id":"chiura-obata-watercolor-painting-of-a-sleeping-tabby-cat-from-the-back","title":"Chiura Obata:  Watercolor Painting of a Sleeping Tabby Cat from the Back (Sold)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chiura Obata   (1885-1975)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watercolor Painting of a Sleeping Tabby Cat  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e July 11th (?) 1938\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eView from the back of a curled-up, sleeping tabby cat, its ears relaxed and head facing away from the viewer. Obata has used fine, dry brushstrokes at he edges of the cat’s body to indicate the fur, and a wet brush technique for most of the body.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eObata’s mastery of the brush was so complete that he could paint in many different styles, all of them unique to his experience and training. In addition to painting landscapes, flower arrangements and still lifes, Obata also painted dogs, fish, zoo animals (including ostriches) and horses; he would take every opportunity to capture the world around him.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThere are only a few known extant watercolors of domestic cats. As Obata himself wrote “...if the artist is full of individuality, the product is also full of individuality, and it is a true artwork.” (See page 127 of Chiura Obata: An American Modern). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eObata’s economy of line and mastery of the brush are practically unequalled in 20th c. American art. He influenced a generation of California artists, and at his own count taught more than 10,000 students, teaching at Berkeley between 1932 and 1954. The University of California, Berkeley preserved many of his paintings and sketches while Obata and his family were interned in Utah during WWII. The most recent exhibition of Obata’s work ran for the first half of 2024 at SFMOMA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. With a certificate of authenticity from the estate of the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSigned: \u003c\/strong\u003eChiura Obata, with artist's red seal and date of July 11th (?) 1938\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good condition overall. With some handling creases and minor dings to paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 39.5 x 52.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chiura Obata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42324702330962,"sku":"OBA158","price":3900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/OBA158_809ed417-9e89-4641-96bf-d2b87fb7e178.jpg?v=1773202059"},{"product_id":"chiura-obata-signed-watercolor-painting-of-a-black-kitten","title":"Chiura Obata:  Signed Watercolor Painting of a Black Kitten","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chiura Obata   (1885-1975)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watercolor Painting of a Black Kitten  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1930s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA black kitten fixes the viewer with hypnotic, lemon-yellow eyes that are narrowed to ovals. Its posture is very kitten-like, front legs a bit splayed. Obata seems to have used layers of grey and black pigments, applied with a fine, dry brush, to imitate the fur. Areas of soft grey help to give dimension to the body. He has even shown a whorled patch of fur near the hindquarters that makes the kitten even more lifelike. Obata could paint in a way that was almost photographically realistic, and he could also paint with more modernist expression; this kitten has some aspects of both. Obata’s mastery of the brush was so complete that he could paint in many different styles, all of them unique to his experience and training. In addition to painting landscapes, flower arrangements and still lifes, Obata also painted dogs, fish, zoo animals (including ostriches) and horses; he would take every opportunity to capture the world around him.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThere are only a few known extant watercolors of domestic cats. As Obata himself wrote “...if the artist is full of individuality, the product is also full of individuality, and it is a true artwork.” (See page 127 of Chiura Obata: An American Modern). Obata taught at Berkeley between 1932 and 1954, and the University of California, Berkeley preserved many of his paintings while Obata and his family were interned in Utah during WWII.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe most recent exhibition of Obata’s work ran for the first half of 2024 at SFMOMA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. With a certificate of authenticity from the estate of the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSigned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chiura Obata with artist's red seal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good condition overall. With tape remnants along edges, verso; traces show through to recto to some degree. Backed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 39.3 x 52.8 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chiura Obata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42324818264146,"sku":"OBA157","price":3900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/OBA157.jpg?v=1773202437"},{"product_id":"yoshitoshi-looking-warm-the-appearance-of-an-urban-widow-of-the-kansei-era-1789-1801-sold","title":"Yoshitoshi 芳年: “Looking Warm: the appearance of an urban widow of the Kansei Era” (1789-1801)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 芳年 (1839-1892)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Looking Warm: the appearance of an urban widow of the Kansei Era” (1789-1801)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thirty-two Types of Women 風俗三十二相 \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e(Fuzoku sanjû-ni sô)  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e 1888, March\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA woman is absorbed in her novel, which is propped against her cloth-covered kotatsu. Atop the warm kotatsu her cat is sound asleep, lending an air of coziness and ease. Identified as the widow of a merchant, we note her shaved eyebrows and her luxurious clothing, which indicates that she has been left in comfort. She raises her cloth-covered hand to her cheek, either to turn the page or as a gesture of suspense, or perhaps both. Yoshitoshi has interestingly chosen a rather modernist and indirect angle for the cat, so our all of our attention is turned towards the woman. The cat’s fur features blindprinting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good\/very good impression; very good color and condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (37 x 25 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsunashima Kamekichi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e John Stevenson, Yoshitoshi's Women, 1995, no. 4. Keyes 1983, p. 481, no. 503.5; Segi 1985, p. 92, no. 103.5; van den Ing \u0026amp; Schaap 1992, p. 139, no. 63.4; Akita Museum of Modern Art 1999, p. 45, no. 188; Ota Memorial Museum of Art 2009, p. 10, no. 1.4. See the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yoshitoshi\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tsukioka Yoshitoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42325402517586,"sku":"YOT940","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/YOT940.jpg?v=1773202010"},{"product_id":"kitao-masanobu-beauty-playing-with-cat","title":"Kitao Masanobu: Beauty Playing with Cat (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kitao Masanobu　北野政演 (1761-1816)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e A beauty plays with her cat  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1780s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA young beauty is looking down and playing with a cat, dangling her scent pouch from her sleeve, her foot peeping out. The cat is circling around her in excitement. It is late spring, as we see blooming wisteria hanging down from a suspended bamboo planter. Next to her on a single screen, plum branches and the name “Takada Shinkai \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e高田新開“\u003c\/span\u003e are drawn. Kitao Masanobu was the artist’s name for the famous author Santo Kyoden, who was a student of Shigemasa and a well-known Yoshiwara regular. He eventually gave up print designing to dedicate himself to a literary career. (Note that the signature on this work is very difficult to read, and it is possible that this work was designed by another artist who was a pupil of Kitao Shigemasa.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOn the top, the writing can be read: “Ana no kai: \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eあなの開\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKono\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e湖野　\u003c\/span\u003eKoji\/Furuji\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e古路　\u003c\/span\u003eSejô\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e瀬浄　\u003c\/span\u003eKitsui\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e木つ井　\u003c\/span\u003eUtsusa\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eうつさ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSensei\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e先生　\u003c\/span\u003eFuryôken\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eふりょうけん\u003c\/span\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOur translator has kindly gone out on something of a limb to give this artwork some context: “ana \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eあな\u003c\/span\u003e” has a meaning of a hiding place and could refer to a mistress, according to a Dictionary for Edo Language. “kai \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e開\u003c\/span\u003e” can be read “tsubi \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eつび\u003c\/span\u003e” , used as secret language, meaning sexual intercourse as well as “a club\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e会\u003c\/span\u003e” using other character with the same phonetics.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eTherefore, the names followed can be interpreted as the names of courtesans. At the end “Sensei” meaning a teacher, and “furyôken \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e不料簡”\u003c\/span\u003e, meaning indiscretion or naughty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 31.7 x 14.4 cm (hosoban)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition for a work of this age. With hinging remnants, verso, that show through somewhat to recto. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSigned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kitano Masanobu ga 北野政演画  (probable)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSealed\u003c\/strong\u003e: With a red Japanese collector's seal, (Koshikawa?) verso. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kitao Shigemasa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42325493612626,"sku":"MAY014","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/MAY014.jpg?v=1773203314"},{"product_id":"松亭-hiroaki-nude-with-black-cat","title":"松亭  Hiroaki: Nude with Black Cat (POR)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003eTakahashi Hiroaki (Shôtei) 高橋松亭 弘明\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seated Nude with Black Cat  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca 1924-27\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSeated Nude Playing with Black Cat. A seated beauty holds her towel up for a black kitten to play with. She is relaxed, her long hair falling past her waist. The outlines of her body have been printed with a soft pink and are also blind-printed with kara-zuri to give physical volume to her figure. Against this intimate pose is an explosively red background with diagonal streaks, giving the work a highly charged, dramatic contrast. One of the most brazenly erotic images in shin hanga, this is one of Hiroaki’s finest designs, and is also one of his most scarce designs, as the printer’s\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e building \u003c\/span\u003e(including inventory and blocks) were destroyed during WWII.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e Extremely scarce.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43.3 x 27.3 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fusui Gabô (Publisher's seal in right margin)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eMerritt, Helen, \u003ci\u003eModern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years\u003c\/i\u003e, 1990, p. 99. Brown, Kendall H. \u0026amp; Goodall-Cristante, Hollis, \u003ci\u003eShin-Hanga, New Prints in Modern Japan\u003c\/i\u003e, 1996, p. 64, fig. 80. Reigle Newland, Amy, and Hamanaka Shinji, \u003ci\u003eThe Female Image: 20th century prints of Japanese beauties\u003c\/i\u003e, 2000, no. 147. \u003ci\u003eNihon no hanga III 1921-1930, Toshi to onna to hikari to kage to (Japanese Prints III, 1921-1930: Cities and Women, Lights and Shadows)\u003c\/i\u003e, Chiba City Museum of Art, 2001, p. 125, no. 270. Reigle Newland, Amy, gen. ed., \u003ci\u003ePrinted to Perfection: Twentieth-century Japanese Prints from the Robert O. Muller Collection\u003c\/i\u003e, 2004, no. 13. Shimizu, Hisao, \u003ci\u003eSyotei (Hiroaki) Takahashi: His Life and Works\u003c\/i\u003e, 2005, pl. 317. Shimizu, Hisao, \u003ci\u003eThe Collected Print Works of Shotei Takahashi, A Modern Ukiyo-e Painter\u003c\/i\u003e, 2006, p105, no. 102.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e HIroaki and printer’s seal Onotomi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hiroaki\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi Hiroaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42325563998290,"sku":"HRC017K","price":45000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/HRC017Kcopy.jpg?v=1773204102"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/collections\/KUY638copy2.jpg?v=1772933703","url":"https:\/\/egenolfgallery.com\/collections\/asia-week-ny-march-2026-captivated-cats-in-japanese-prints-and-paintings\/cats.oembed","provider":"Egenolf Gallery Japanese Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}