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

"Japanese White Cat" is a celebrated woodblock print created in 1863 by Utagawa Hiroshige, a prominent figure in the ukiyo-e movement. This captivating piece features a poised, snowy-white feline, which is meticulously detailed and lifelike. Hiroshige's mastery over the medium is palpable through the delicate rendering of the cat's fur, which exhibits a harmonious blend of fine lines and soft shadings, embodying the tranquil grace and quiet allure of the animal.

The cat is depicted in a dynamic pose, alert and elegantly arching its back, with its elongated body and partially raised tail capturing a moment of keen observation. The creature's large, expressive eyes are especially notable, blending realism with a subtle hint of the whimsical, embodied in the traditional Japanese art style. These eyes give a sense of sentient intelligence, engaged with its surroundings, and a placid serenity that deepens the spiritual undertone of the piece.

The background, like many of Hiroshige's works, is minimalistic, directing full attention to the subject. Subtle hints of nature, possibly indicated by minimal foliage or a faintly rendered environment, ground the piece within Hiroshige’s characteristic thematic repertoire, where natural elements coexist harmoniously with everyday life.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) is one of the most iconic artists of the Edo period, chiefly known for his landscapes and genre scenes within the ukiyo-e tradition. The term 'ukiyo-e' translates roughly to “pictures of the floating world,” capturing the transient beauty and fleeting pleasures of life. Hiroshige's oeuvre spans various themes, including famous locations, seasons, and animals, capturing the essence of Japanese landscapes and daily life with nuanced elegance and distinctive stylistic flourishes.

1. Museum Location: Currently, various works of Utagawa Hiroshige, including those held in private collections, are dispersed throughout the world. However, specific information on the original "Japanese White Cat" woodblock print, its current ownership, or its showcasing museum would need to be verified through individual collection records or museum archives. Institutions like the Tokyo National Museum, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art hold substantial collections of his works.

2. Artistic Movements: This print forms part of Hiroshige's later works, created within a year of his death. By this period, his style had evolved to convey a refined simplicity and mastery over natural and social themes. Animals, though not as frequently depicted as landscapes, showcased his versatility and deep connection to the natural world—a recurring motif in ukiyo-e.

3. Cultural Significance: Hiroshige's portrayal of a domestic animal intersects with cultural views on nature and domestication in 19th century Japan. Cats, often seen as enchanting creatures, carried symbolic meanings tied to spirituality, luck, and daily domestic life in Japanese culture.

Overall, "Japanese White Cat" stands as a testament to Hiroshige's adeptness in merging realism with the ethereal qualities characteristic of ukiyo-e, presenting an intimate look at the harmonious coexistence of nature and domestic life through a masterful depiction of one of Japan's beloved animals.