“猫系列（206）：红蜻蜓” 版次：99/150 - 木版画 - Nishida Tadashige 西田忠重 (b 1942) - 日本 - 2015

Nishida Tadashige(西田忠重)
“Cat Series (206): Red Dragonflies”
Woodblock Print, 2015
Edition 99/150

Against an intense field of brilliant blue sits a black cat, its body almost reduced to a bold silhouette. Rather than looking toward the viewer, the cat tilts its head upward, completely absorbed by two red dragonflies floating overhead. That simple gesture gives the composition its story: for a brief moment, the cat has forgotten everything else, captivated by tiny creatures moving through the sky.

The contrast is particularly striking. The deep black of the cat and vivid blue background are interrupted by the delicate pale wings and brilliant red bodies of the dragonflies. Nishida simplifies each element almost to the level of a symbol, yet the cat’s wide eyes, whiskers and tilted head give it unmistakable personality. The result is playful without becoming merely decorative.

The choice of the red dragonfly (akatonbo) also gives the work a distinctly Japanese character. Dragonflies have appeared in Japanese art and literature for centuries and are closely associated with the changing seasons. The red dragonfly in particular evokes late summer and early autumn and, for many Japanese people, carries nostalgic associations with countryside landscapes and childhood memories.

This adds another layer to an otherwise humorous scene. The cat watches something beautiful but fleeting—a tiny moment that will soon disappear. In this sense, the work can also be read through the Japanese sensitivity toward transience and the beauty of passing seasons. Nishida turns an everyday encounter between a cat and insects into a small poetic narrative.

Nishida’s cats are especially appealing because they are not simply portraits of animals. They behave almost like human characters—curious, surprised, contemplative, mischievous—and invite the viewer to imagine what they are thinking. Here, the exaggerated upward gaze creates an immediate emotional connection and gives the composition a gentle sense of humor.

This impression is number 99 from a limited edition of 150, created in 2015, and bears the artist’s signature and seal.

With its bold contemporary colors, traditional woodblock technique, and unmistakably Japanese motif of the red dragonfly, Cat Series (206): Red Dragonflies offers an appealing combination of Japanese visual culture, craftsmanship, humor and storytelling. It is particularly attractive for collectors of modern Japanese prints, animal art, and distinctive contemporary interpretations of the Japanese woodblock tradition.


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]
46.5cm×31.2cm

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

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