<b>AUN'S CATS (GREEN)</b> / Tomoo Inagaki1973<b>SOLD</b></em>
ARTIST: Tomoo Inagaki (1902–1980)
TITLE: Aun's Cats (Green)
EDITION: 15/50
MEDIUM: Woodblock
DATE: 1973
DIMENSIONS: 23 1/8 x 18 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
LITERATURE: Tomoo Inagaki Complete Collected Works, Keisho-sha, 1982, pg. 123
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SOLD
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Details
Tomoo Inagaki produced his first cat design in the early 1950s, inspired by his own pet cat. That work was oriented more towards realism. As Inagaki continued his cat designs, he elected to move in the direction of simplification and incorporate elements of cubism and abstraction.
In this design, the artist elects for geometric simplification that showcases a strong mid-century modern feeling. Inagaki simplifies the pair of cats' appearance by adding lines and small gouges that suggest patterns, texture, shadow, and color. The bold design relies heavily on the thick lines that build and hold the composition in place. The highly individualistic expression of each cat is evident. The cat on the left is rendered with a relaxed, inviting face. His open mouth suggests a purr or a warm meow of a greeting. The cat on the right has a more stoic appearance with restrained features and a gaze cast out beyond the viewer. The composition is bold, and Inagaki has made the personality of both cats quite apparent in another charming design.
Connoisseur's Note
This impression bolsters razor-sharp registration with crisp lines throughout the composition. Fresh and vivid colors serve to animate Inagaki's cats beyond the confines of the design.
