Classic PRINT

Cat Pawing Fish

$16.00 USD

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Print delivery: 1-2 weeks
Framed prints and decor: 2-3 weeks
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Framed prints are custom assembled and cannot be returned.
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Luxe vs. Classic Prints

Luxe Prints – Premium prints on a variety of high-end fine art paper options and frames for a sophisticated presentation. Some fit standard frames, while others maintain non-standard historical proportions.

Classic Prints – Affordable, high-quality prints with a smoother finish for sharp detail designed to fit off-the-shelf frames. Classic prints have the word 'classic' above the title and a letter which shows the sizes that the print comes in. Size A– 4x6", 12x18", 16x24", 20x30" B– 6x8", 9x12", 12x16", 18x24", 24x30" C– 8x10", 16x20"

Understanding Our Print Sizes

Historical prints vary in proportion based on their original format. Whenever possible, we match them to the closest standard size, using common print ratios like 2:3 (e.g., 8x12) or 3:4 (e.g., 9x12). However, resizing some prints can distort the artwork's integrity, so we can only offer them in their original proportions. Additionally, we use different printers for our product lines, and not all sizes are available with every printer.

Cat Pawing at Goldfish by Isoda Koryusai (c. early 1770s) is a charming woodblock print that captures a playful domestic moment. The scene depicts a white cat with black markings, adorned with a delicate pink bow, poised atop a large ornamental bowl.

Why We Picked It
This artwork captures the perfect interplay of colors and textures—a mustard yellow floor grounding the scene, soft pink and green patterns curling around the bowl, and the sharp yellow leaves of a quirky succulent in the background. It’s an everyday moment turned magical: a curious cat, mid-paw, framed by a striking mix of domestic stillness and lively detail. The composition feels both playful and serene, embodying the unique charm of ukiyo-e while inviting you to linger in its playful world.

Notable Context
The 1770s marked the flourishing of the ukiyo-e art movement during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). This genre, which translates to "pictures of the floating world," focused on capturing ephemeral pleasures, such as kabuki theater, tea ceremonies, and nature. Artists of this era produced prints using intricate woodblock techniques, making art more accessible to the growing urban merchant class. The Edo period saw increased prosperity and cultural development under a rigid class hierarchy and isolationist policies. Art became a medium for escapism, often portraying idealized views of beauty, nature, and leisure.

About the Artist
Isoda Koryusai (active c. 1764–1788) was a prolific ukiyo-e artist known for his versatility in both painting and woodblock prints. Initially a samurai, Koryusai transitioned to art after his lord's death, finding acclaim for his bijin-ga (beautiful women) portraits. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Koryusai's works reflected a broad thematic range, from elegant courtesans to lively natural scenes, as seen in Cat Pawing at Goldfish. His art combined refined compositions with a subtle emotional depth, capturing the essence of Edo-period aesthetics. Koryusai received the honorary title of hokkyō, signifying mastery in Buddhist painting, further cementing his legacy in Japanese art history.