Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art: with over 200 illustrations

Japan is the epicenter of global cat culture, with cats in 200 charming woodblock prints, paintings, screens, and figurines spanning three centuries. This collection features works from over 30 museums and institutions and essays on the feline image in Japan, such as Domestic Companion or Household God?

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Japan, the heart of global cat culture, is a place where cats are a ubiquitous presence in art, whether they are lurking in corners or taking center stage. These feline creatures have the power to bring good fortune, prompt the viewer to meditate on a tale, or provide evidence of an unseen world of magic and supernatural happenings. In her captivating book, "The Feline Muse: Japanese Art and the Cat," Japanese art expert Rhiannon Paget explores the rich symbolism and surprising stories surrounding the feline image in Japan. This collection features over 30 charming woodblock prints, paintings, screens, and figurines spanning three centuries, from the Edo period to the present day.

The book includes essays on various fascinating topics, such as whether cats are considered domestic companions or household gods in Japanese culture. Japanese artists convey their deep affection and sense of pride for their pets through their artwork. The feline figures are portrayed in fluid lines and organic forms, with their glossy fur and markings lending themselves to the interplay of textures and materials.

Lucky cats, considered auspicious creatures in Japanese culture, symbolize health, longevity, and prosperity. The book also delves into Japan's rich visual record of cats as witches and feline monsters. Cats have been deployed to illustrate philosophical and religious ideas, as well as convey folk wisdom.

This delightful book appeals to anyone with an interest in Japanese art and culture, as well as to all cat lovers. It provides a captivating glimpse into the world of cats in Japanese art and culture, offering a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures and their role in Japanese art throughout history.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 162 x 189 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805317334