Life of Cats

From the iconic maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, to cat cafes, felines have been prized in Japanese culture ever since they were introduced to the country in the 6th century. Focusing on prints from the vibrant Edo period (1615-1868), this delightful publication uses art as a lens to explore the role and significance of cats in Japanese society. Colorful woodblock prints in the famous ukiyo-e style provide witty representations of relationships between cats and people. The book is divided into four sections-Cats and People, Cats as People, Cats versus People, and Cats and Play-which underscore various facets of the Japanese fascination with felines. The book features 100 ukiyo-e prints drawn from the stellar holdings of the Hiraki Ukiyo-e Foundation, known as one of the world's finest collections of ukiyo-e art. The works include pieces by master printmaker Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), one of the greatest artists of Edo Japan. Charming and approachable, the prints will delight readers as well as provide an engaging introduction to a prominent Japanese collection.