Cat and Goldfish
by Ohara Koson
- Date:
- c. 1928–1930
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 27 × 40.8 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
A cat peers into a goldfish bowl — the classic domestic scene of predator and prey separated by glass, the cat's fascinated fixation on the small darting fish a subject of universal appeal. Koson's cat-and-goldfish prints are among his most charming, the composition's humor arising from the cat's posture of total absorption in its futile vigil. Produced around 1928–1930, this print demonstrates his range from the formally dignified to the warmly comic.
More Prints by Ohara Koson
Heron or Egret
c. 1900–1945
Woodblock print
"Snipes and Reeds," 1926 and "Wild Ducks and Pampas Grass"
Two woodblocks in colors (framed separately)
Magpie with Pink and White Magnolia Blossoms
Shōwa period, circa 1931
Woodblock print in "ōban" format; ink and color on paper
Lapwing on Tree Stump
1920s
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
More Fish Prints
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat and Goldfish was created by Ohara Koson (小原古邨) in c. 1928–1930.
Cat and Goldfish was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (c. 1928–1930).
Cat and Goldfish depicts fish, animals, and cats.
Cat and Goldfish measures 27 × 40.8 cm (Oban format).