Artist: Shinkai, Hōzōbō
Date: 601
Size: 27.9cm x 40.6cm
Technique: Paper
Introduction
The Dreaming Cat is a stunning ink painting on paper created in the mid-17th century by the Japanese Buddhist monk and artist Hōzōbō Shinkai. This artwork, which measures 27.9cm x 40.6cm, showcases the artist's mastery of line and form, as well as his deep understanding of the natural world.
The Artist: Hōzōbō Shinkai
Hōzōbō Shinkai(1626-1688) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and artist of the Edo period. He is known for his ink paintings on paper, which often depict animals and nature scenes. His works are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and attention to detail.
The Artwork: The Dreaming Cat
The Dreaming Cat features a chubby cat, sensitively rendered in soft brushstrokes of ink in varying tones. The feline is depicted from the front, with its front legs tucked beneath, so that its body forms nearly a perfect circle, with the rear haunches symmetrically protruding from each side. The background is completely blank, with the exception of the three columns of gracefully brushed calligraphy of the artist’s own poem, accompanied by the artist’s signature and anchored by a square red seal. The oval shape of the cat, combined with the vertical lines of the calligraphy, creates a dynamic tension that draws the viewer's eye towards the center of the composition.
The Significance of The Dreaming Cat
The Dreaming Cat is a masterful example of the Edo period ink painting tradition. It showcases the artist's deep understanding of the natural world, as well as his ability to capture the essence of his subject with just a few brushstrokes. The cat's blissful expression and relaxed posture suggest a sense of contentment and tranquility, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect on the beauty of the present moment. The calligraphy in the background adds an additional layer of meaning, as it reflects the artist's own thoughts and feelings about the scene.
Conclusion
The Dreaming Cat by Hōzōbō Shinkai is a stunning work of art that showcases the artist's mastery of line, form, and calligraphy. It invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of the natural world and the present moment, making it a truly timeless piece. If you are interested in learning more about Hōzōbō Shinkai or his artwork, please visit our website Wikioo.org. We offer a wide range of hand-made oil painting reproductions of his works, as well as other Japanese artists.
References
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (n.d.). Dreaming Cat. Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/752008 Tezuka, Miwako. (2015). List od Cats: Selections from the Hiraki Ukiyo-e Collection. Exh. cat. New York: Japan Society.
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