Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Cats (1847-1850)" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi is an exemplary work that highlights both the artist's technical prowess and his whimsical inclinations. The painting, actually a woodblock print, is part of Kuniyoshi's larger body of work that drew deeply from the Edo period's rich tapestry of ukiyo-e art. Ukiyo-e, or "floating world pictures," often depicted scenes from urban life, kabuki actors, beautiful women, and folklore, but Kuniyoshi's inclusion of cats in his oeuvre represents a charming deviation that captivated viewers.

"Cats" is a playful piece comprising several cats engaged in various human-like activities, exhibiting a sense of humor and anthropomorphism. The cats are arranged in a dynamic composition that guides the viewer’s eye across the print in a lively zigzag pattern. Each cat is intricately detailed, showcasing the rich texture of their fur down to the distinct personalities conveyed through their expressive faces.

Notably, Kuniyoshi employed a vivid palette, where vibrant reds, deep blacks, and contrasting whites dominate the scene. The background is minimalistic, ensuring that the cats remain the focal point. This characteristic use of color and emphasis on detailed patterning is in line with Kuniyoshi's broader artistic style, which frequently merged intricate line work with bold hues.

Kuniyoshi was an influential figure in the Utagawa school, which was pivotal in developing and popularizing ukiyo-e prints. His work in the mid-19th century came during a period when Japan was on the cusp of opening up to the West, yet still firmly rooted in its isolationist policies. During this time, ukiyo-e prints, including Kuniyoshi’s work, were becoming more accessible to the common populace.

The "Cats" series, to which this print belongs, is an example of Kuniyoshi's versatility. While he was renowned for his dramatic prints of samurai warriors and mythical creatures, he also created more lighthearted and accessible works. This series served to broaden his appeal to a wider audience, including women and children enamored with domestic scenes and animals.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) was a master of ukiyo-e, whose legacy includes not only his prolific printmaking but also his role as a teacher to many subsequent artists. His works are characterized by their innovative compositions, robust use of color, and a unique blend of the fantastical with the mundane.

As of now, individual prints from the "Cats" series by Kuniyoshi can be found in various collections across the globe. Specific prints, including "Cats (1847-1850)," are held in prestigious institutions such as the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. These prints are often showcased in exhibitions dealing with Japanese art, ukiyo-e prints, or thematic displays dedicated to depictions of animals in art.

- Playfulness and Anthropomorphism: The print is celebrated for its humor and charm, showcasing cats in various playful scenarios that mimic human behavior, a trait less common in ukiyo-e prints primarily focused on human subjects.
- Technical Mastery: The piece exemplifies Kuniyoshi’s exceptional skill in woodblock printing, evident in the fine lines, intricate details, and harmonious use of color.
- Cultural Impact: Kuniyoshi's "Cats" also reflects the Edo period's fondness for cats, which were popular pets and held significant cultural symbolism, representing good fortune and grace.

In summary, "Cats (1847-1850)" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi is a delightful and technically accomplished woodblock print that showcases the artist's versatility and capacity to infuse humor within the rigid framework of ukiyo-e art. Its historical and artistic value continues to be recognized worldwide, capturing the enduring charm of feline imagery.