OF, BY AND FOR CATS LOVERS!

Hi, it’s Kombu here! Today, I’m taking you on a scroll through the whimsical world of one of our favorite humans from the Edo period—Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Not only he was a master ukiyo-e artist, but he really understood cats. His prints are playful, mysterious, and full of feline flair!

I enjoy watching his works and inventing stories about each cats. His works stimulates imagination (to cat lovers, Story teller or Kids). Here we go!

🎨 First of all, who Was Utagawa Kuniyoshi?

Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was one of the great ukiyo-e artists of the late Edo era. Famous for his bold warrior prints and fantastical stories, he also happened to be obsessed with cats. Like, seriously obsessed. He had cats all over his studio, and he often used them as inspiration (and models!).

You might recognize him with this image. Yes, it’s him!

🐱 Cats in Edo Japan

Back then, cats were considered lucky charms, guardians of the home, and even magical beings. It’s no surprise they became muses for artists like Kuniyoshi, who painted them not only as adorable companions but also as tricksters, travelers, and supernatural beings.

But did you know they also served as important symbols?

One fascinating example is the Sleeping Cat of Nikkō Tōshō-gu, a famous cat sculpture located at the Toshogu Shrine in Nikkō. This serene cat is carved into the shrine’s structure and is known for its symbolism of peace and protection. The cat is often said to symbolize the spirit of tranquility, a peaceful state that was deeply valued during the Edo period. It’s a reminder of how cats, beyond being companions, were seen as symbols of calm and protection—even in the midst of a warrior society like Japan’s.

In fact, this cat is so significant that it’s often linked to the Shogunate’s desire for peace and stability during the era. The Sleeping Cat has become a monument of peace, and it’s an excellent example of how cats were more than just pets in Edo Japan; they were powerful, symbolic figures woven into the very fabric of the culture.

Kuniyoshi, with his keen understanding of cats, was certainly aware of the deep, symbolic importance of these creatures. His prints often capture this dual nature of cats—as both whimsical creatures of daily life and as mystical, revered symbols.

🖼️ Must-See Cat Art by Kuniyoshi

(With personal commentary from me, of course!)

🧭 “Cats Suggested as the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido”

A pun-filled parody of the famous travel route, where each cat represents a stop along the way. It is just so fun to see each cats in detail, but if you are Japanese-speaker this work become more enjoyable! Every cats are deeply thought and drew inspired from the name of towns! I found a blog where explains in detail, so if you want to know more please check it (sorry but only in Japanese…).

Out of topic, If you are fun of Ukiyo-e and have a chance to visit Tokyo, I highly recommend to visit ADACHI HANGA.

👹 “Bakeneko” – The Shape-Shifting Cat

In Japanese folklore, some cats turn into yokai (supernatural beings). Kuniyoshi had a lot of fun with this. Me, personally, I love these two cats dancing around with a towel on their heads! I also dance after everyone goes to bed!!

😽 “Four Cats in Different Poses”

If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you’ll recognize these: loaf mode, curl-up mode, stare-into-your-soul mode…That bottom-left one? Classic ‘I’m ignoring you but still judging you’ pose!

🐾 Final Paws of Thought

Kuniyoshi didn’t just draw cats—he celebrated our moods, our mystery, and our mischief. Whether you’re a hardcore cat human or just curious about Edo culture, his work is the purrfect mix of art and fun. He saw personality in us and that’s what I love about him!

Now, if you’ll excuse me… a sunbeam just hit the tatami mat, and that means nap time.

😸 Until next time, Ciao!

Useful link:

Here’s where you can catch them (or at least their art!) in the real world:

🖼 Ukiyo-e Super Creator: Kuniyoshi – Hokkaido, Japan
📅 Apr 25 – Jun 15, 2025
🔗 Details here

🏛️ Also check out:

• The British Museum in London
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC
• The Tokyo National Museum

Many of these have Kuniyoshi prints in rotation or digital collections available online.

If you want to learn more about his work (Amazon.it affiliate links)

📚 Cats: Ukiyo-e Paper Book
🛒 Get it on Amazon.it
A beautiful collection featuring Kuniyoshi’s most iconic cat prints.

📚 I gatti di Kuniyoshi
🛒 Buy on Amazon.it
This boxed set includes posters you can frame at home!

📬 Ukiyo-e Cats Postcard Book
🛒 Shop it here
Perfect for sending cute notes—or hoarding for your own wall.