
Happy Cat
by Motoi Oi
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Watanabe Print
- Image courtesy of
- Watanabe Print
Description
This print — distinguished from the identically titled companion work by its catalogue sequence — depicts a cat in a pose or context that conveys contentment or pleasure. The cat's body language, facial expression, or setting communicates its subject's emotional state without anthropomorphizing excessively. Oi uses the woodblock process to reinforce the mood through color: warm tones, rounded forms, and clean key-block lines suggest comfort and ease. The designation of this work as a second version implies variation from its companion in composition, palette, or framing — perhaps a different pose, angle, or background treatment while retaining the same thematic intention. The washi ground absorbs color with a warmth that complements the print's affectionate subject matter.
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
Happy Cat was created by Motoi Oi (大井基).
Happy Cat depicts animals.



