Title: Kuroneko (黒猫) Artist: Hishida Shunsō (菱田春草，1874–1911) Technique: Lithograph Signature & Seal: Plate signature and artist seal Paper Size: 92.5 × 32.3 cm (36.4 × 12.7 in) Paper: Cotton paper This renowned piece, Kuroneko (黒猫), also known as Black Cat, was created in 1910 by Hishida Shunsō. He was a leading figure of the Meiji-era Nihonga reform movement, co‑founder of the Mōrō-tai (朦朧体 / Misty Style), and one of the most influential artists in modern Japanese painting. This is an official high-quality reproduction, issued between 1980 and 1990. Hishida Shunsō began his artistic training at the age of fifteen under Yūki Shōmei of the Kanō school. In 1890, he enrolled in the Nihonga department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, studying under Okakura Kakuzō and Hashimoto Gahō. His graduation work The Widow and Orphans — a poignant anti-war composition inspired by the Sino-Japanese War — attracted wide critical attention and received the highest academic distinction. After graduating, he took up a teaching position and adopted the artistic name Shunsō (春草). He co‑established the Nihon Bijutsuin (Japan Fine Arts Academy) and, alongside Yokoyama Taikan and Shimomura Kanzan, was recognised as one of the academy’s Three Great Masters. Rejecting rigid traditional outline drawing, he shaped forms through soft colour gradients, a defining technique that became known as Mōrō-tai (朦朧体 / Misty Style). In 1904, he travelled to the United States and the United Kingdom with Okakura Kakuzō for exhibition events, helping to introduce Nihonga to an international audience. In his later years, his style shifted toward quiet simplicity and lyrical subtlety. He passed away in 1911 at the age of 37, due to kidney illness. His art masterfully merges Western lighting, shading and colour theory with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Characterised by soft washes, restrained linework and a gentle, misty atmosphere, his works convey profound poetic calm. He marks a pivotal turning point in the transition from classical to modern Japanese art. His iconic 1910 masterpiece Kuroneko and other key pieces are listed as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, preserved in major collections such as the Tokyo National Museum and the Eisei Bunko Museum. This print portrays a black cat with vivid reddish-orange eyes, resting lazily upon a sturdy oak branch. The feline gazes directly toward the viewer with a sharp, alert and compelling expression. Set against a pale cream background subtly decorated with autumn oak leaves, fine natural branch detailing creates a peaceful autumnal mood. The composition is dominated by deep black, warm yellow and soft grey tones, with the cat’s striking eyes acting as the central visual highlight. Executed in a delicate, refined manner, the artwork balances modern taste with understated Eastern Zen aesthetics. Fine realistic detailing, fluid linework and gentle tonal washes capture the classic essence of Nihonga, combined with expressive modern animal portraiture. It remains one of the most celebrated cat-themed art prints from Japan. The lower right features the artist’s hand-signed calligraphy “Shunsō (春草)” and a red commemorative seal. Unframed. The paper shows minor natural age-related toning; overall condition is good for its period. This item is sold without frame. The framed photos are for display purposes only. Due to service suspension, Taiwan Post EMS has suspended parcel delivery to the following countries starting March 10, 2026: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, Pakistan, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt, Morocco. Bidders from these countries are kindly requested not to bid at this time. Note: Delivery to Italy takes approximately 6–7 days. Customs or the courier may contact you for customs clearance. Kindly reply promptly, as delays may result in the package being returned. Contacting them directly can help speed up the process: dogane.malpensa.urp@agenziadogane.it Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. - The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings). - The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable). - This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.