Hand-signed by artist and numbered in pencil (13/150), this image and this series by the artist are his most iconic and sought after. A simply-carved black cat looking back, definition provided by grey undertones, with dazzling gold eyes, is portrayed on a rich and unadorned red background.
The Woodblock Print
This image is roughly 9″x13″, but with a large margin, so we’re labelling it as an oban. This print is in excellent condition; rich color without discolorations, clean margins, and a clean verso. Bright gold eyes and great tone to all of the inks.
About the Artist
Tadashige Nishida (1942-) was born on Amami Oshima and studied at Chiba University. In the 1960s he went to Spain and then to the United States to study as a post-graduate. His work concentrates on depictions of cats, though he also has produced a number of studies of trees and Mount Fuji. His style is rooted in traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques, but reflects the influence of the Western styles and compositional techniques that he was exposed to during his time in Europe and the United States.
