This anthropomorphized cat — created by Kuniyoshi around 1842 — was the artist’s way of avoiding the censorship laws imposed in Japan in the 1840s. Those laws prohibited conspicuous displays of wealth, irreverence or negativity toward authority, and anything that was sexually provocative. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (January 1, 1797 April 14, 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He was a member of the Utagawa School. The range of Kuniyoshi’s subjects included many genres: landscapes, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for his depictions of the battles of legendary samurai heroes. His artwork incorporated aspects of Western representation in landscape painting and caricature.

Solid brass, electro-plated with hematite finish, giclee print. 3″ L.