Details

Susumu Yamaguchi is a sosaku hanga artist most known for his mountain landscapes, but this charming design certainly showcases Yamaguchi’s diverse talent when departing from his typical subject. This deceivingly quiet work depicts a striped tabby comfortably sleeping. The backdrop, however, is a lively symphony of pattern as woodgrain ornamentation permeates the entire composition. This striking design is also a thoughtful study of light. Note the striking light source at the viewer’s left that spills into all the patterns throughout the composition. Ironically, the only sense of movement in this seemingly quiet design comes from the woodgrain patterns and the surprisingly realistic shadows cast from the hanging persimmons. Appearing quite realistic, Yamaguchi can almost convince you of the shadows’movement in the duration one examines this playful design.

Connoisseur's Note

This rare work is a departure for Susumu Yamaguchi, as the vast majority of his prints depict landscape designs. This larger-scale work is in excellent condition with fresh and vivid colors. There are later, posthumous impressions of this design that are executed with much less care. Those impressions are easily distinguished by stiffness in printing, a different artist seal stamped in the image, and the missing pencil signature at the bottom margin.