Shotei produced a wide range of subjects throughout his career under publishers Watanabe and Daikokuya. Signed, sealed lifetime editions consistently outperform unsigned export-market copies.
Two cats play together — batting at each other, chasing, or wrestling with the uninhibited energy that makes young cats such compelling observation subjects. Shotei renders the cats' interaction with precise observation of feline physiology and the dynamics of play: the extended paw, the arched back, the focused intent beneath the apparent randomness of play. The cats' domestic setting, implicit rather than explicit, connects this intimate animal subject to the interior world of Japanese household life.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Playing cats was created by Takahashi Shotei (高橋松亭).
Playing cats was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Playing cats depicts music, animals, and cats.
