Katte-serien “Action (2)” - træsnit - Nishida Tadashige 西田忠重 (b 1942) - Japan - Heisei-perioden (1989-nu)

Nishida Tadashige(西田忠重) “Action (2)”
Woodblock Print, 2006
Edition 137/150

There is a moment every cat owner knows well.

A split second before the leap. Before the chase. Before the sudden burst of energy that transforms a calm, elegant animal into a creature of pure instinct.

That fleeting instant is precisely what Tadashige Nishida captures in “Action (2)”.

Against a striking field of vivid crimson-pink, a black cat lowers its body and fixes its luminous yellow eyes directly on the viewer. Its tail stands high, its front paws are extended, and every muscle seems charged with anticipation. The cat is not resting. It is not posing. It is about to move.

The tension is palpable.

What makes this composition so compelling is Nishida’s extraordinary ability to communicate movement through simplicity. The image contains almost no unnecessary detail. There is no landscape, no furniture, no narrative background. Instead, the entire drama unfolds through silhouette, posture, and color. The result is both modern and timeless.

The contrast between the deep black body and the brilliant red background immediately recalls the visual power of traditional Japanese woodblock design. At the same time, the work possesses a distinctly contemporary graphic sensibility, making it feel equally at home in a modern European interior or a collection devoted to Japanese prints.

Cats occupy a special place in Japanese culture. They are symbols of luck, independence, intuition, and mystery. In Nishida’s work, however, they become something more personal. His cats are not merely animals; they are reflections of human emotion and character. They display curiosity, confidence, playfulness, caution, and determination.

Created in 2006, this print belongs to Nishida’s celebrated cat series, which has become one of the most recognizable bodies of work in contemporary Japanese woodblock art. His feline subjects have earned an enthusiastic international following because they combine traditional craftsmanship with humor, elegance, and emotional immediacy.

The limited edition of 150 impressions enhances the collectability of the piece, while the bold color palette ensures a strong visual presence. Few artworks manage to be simultaneously decorative, sophisticated, and deeply engaging. This print achieves all three.

Whether displayed as a statement piece in a contemporary interior or as part of a collection of modern Japanese prints, this remarkable woodblock serves as a vivid reminder that every new adventure begins with action.


Nishida Tadashige(born 1942) is a contemporary Japanese woodblock printmaker known for his iconic cat compositions, Mount Fuji scenes, and poetic landscapes. Educated in industrial design and trained in both Western and Japanese painting traditions, he developed a distinctive style that combines traditional woodblock techniques with modern graphic design. His works have been exhibited widely in Japan and are included in public collections such as Narita International Airport and various civic institutions. Today he is regarded as one of the most recognizable contemporary Japanese woodblock artists, particularly admired for his celebrated Cat Series.

[Size]
40.6cm×29cm

[Condition]
Excellent condition.
Please check the photos for details.

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