Title: Kuroneko (黒猫) Artist: Hishida Shunsō (菱田春草，1874–1911) Technique: Lithograph Signature & Seal: Artist’s signature + red seal Limited Edition: 166/300 (pencil numbered) Paper size: 86.5 × 33 cm (34.1 × 13.0 in) Image size: 80 × 27 cm (31.5 × 10.6 in) Paper: Cotton paper This famous work Kuroneko (黒猫), or Black Cat, was created in 1910 by Hishida Shunsō, a central figure of the Nihonga reform movement during the Meiji period in Japan, co-founder of the Mōrō-tai (朦朧体，Misty Style), and a pivotal artist in modern Japanese painting. This is an official high-quality reproduction edition, published 1980–1990. Hishida Shunsō began his training at age 15 under Yūki Shōmei of the Kanō school. In 1890, he entered the Nihonga Department of the Tokyo Fine Arts School, studying under Okakura Kakuzō and Hashimoto Gahō. His graduation work The Widow and Orphans (a Sino-Japanese War-themed piece with anti-war sentiment) sparked intense debate and earned top honors. He became an instructor upon graduation and adopted the art name Shunsō (春草). He co-founded the Nihon Bijutsuin (Japan Fine Arts Academy) and, together with Yokoyama Taikan and Shimomura Kanzan, became known as one of the “Three Great Masters of the Institute”. Rejecting traditional ink lines, he modeled forms with color planes, leading to the critical label Mōrō-tai (朦朧体，Misty Style). In 1904, he traveled to the U.S. and U.K. with Okakura Kakuzō to exhibit, promoting the internationalization of Nihonga. In his later years, his style evolved toward simplicity, tranquility, and lyricism. He passed away in 1911 from kidney disease at the age of 37. His art blends Western light, shadow and color with traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibility, featuring soft color washes, reduced linework, misty atmosphere, and poetic calm. He represents a crucial turning point in modern Japanese painting from tradition to modernity. His masterpiece Kuroneko (黒猫，1910) and other works are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, held in institutions including the Tokyo National Museum and the Eisei Bunko Museum. This print depicts a blue-eyed black cat resting lazily on a thick oak branch, with an alert, lively gaze directed at the viewer, full of spirit. The background is pale beige, accented with autumn oak leaves; delicate branch textures create a serene autumnal atmosphere. The palette centers on black, yellow, and gray, with the blue eyes as the focal point—soft, elegant, and combining modern taste with Eastern Zen. The work is delicately realistic, with fluent lines and natural washes, possessing the charm of traditional Nihonga while displaying the vivid expression of modern animal painting. It is a classic among cat-themed prints. Vertical inscription on the left: Gentei Sanbyaku-bu Sakuhin Dai Roku-roku-ban (限定 参百部 作品 第一六六番) (Edition limited to 300, No. 166) Bottom right: artist’s signature Shunsō (春草), red square seal, and pencil numbering 166/300. Unframed. Minor natural toning due to age; overall in good condition. This piece is sold without a frame.The images are only for showing the effect after framing. Due to temporary 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.