Ohara Koson's Cat and Goldfish Print | Japanese Shin-hanga Woodblock A

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is an exquisitely detailed woodblock print by the celebrated Japanese artist Ohara Koson (1877–1945). A master of the kacho-e (bird-and-flower pictures) genre, this piece captures a charming and suspenseful domestic scene. A fluffy black-and-white kitten, wearing a red ribbon collar, is depicted in a low crouch, its gaze intently fixed on three goldfish swimming in a glass bowl. Koson's remarkable skill is evident in the subtle textures—the soft fur of the kitten, the delicate fins of the fish, and the warm grain of the wooden floorboards.

Historical Tidbit

This print is a perfect example of the sophisticated techniques that defined the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement. To achieve the incredibly realistic, soft texture of the cat's fur, the artisans used advanced printing methods like karazuri, or "empty printing." This involved pressing an un-inked, intricately carved woodblock onto the paper to create a subtle, three-dimensional embossing effect that you could feel as well as see. This commitment to exquisite craftsmanship, combined with a universally appealing subject like a curious kitten, made Ohara Koson's prints enormously popular with collectors both in Japan and in the West.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: