
Cat and sun
by Motoi Oi
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Watanabe Print
- Image courtesy of
- Watanabe Print
Description
This print pairs a cat with a solar motif, placing an animal subject within a larger atmospheric or symbolic context. The sun — rendered as a disk, radiating form, or area of warm color — provides a circular compositional element that contrasts with the organic form of the cat. Oi may use bokashi to achieve the gradated transition of sunlight across the composition, moving from warm to cool tones. The cat is likely shown in a resting pose associated with basking, its body oriented toward or silhouetted against the light source. The juxtaposition of animal and celestial element gives the print a contemplative quality. Color registration in the solar passages requires precision to maintain clean, luminous areas on washi.
More Prints by Motoi Oi
More Animals Prints

Snake Charmers (Hebizukai)
Hebizukai
1932
Color woodblock print; oban

Hoshifuri Pine at Zen'yoji Temple in Edogawa (Edogawa-ku Zen'yoji Hoshifuri matsu), from the series "One Hundred Views of Great Tokyo in the Showa Era (Showa dai Tokyo fukei hyaku zue hanga)"
1935
Color woodblock print; oban

Drawing for Rabbit and Boy
1964
Acrylic paint and oil pastel with oiled charcoal and ink over an ink and graphite underdrawing on paper

Rabbit and Boy
1964
Color lithograph with relief block and hand coloring; edition 35/36
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat and sun was created by Motoi Oi (大井基).
Cat and sun depicts animals.



