Kono Bairei: Sleeping Cat - Antique Japanese Woodblock Art Print

Bring a moment of Zen-like stillness into your home. This museum-quality Giclée reproduction features Kono Bairei’s Sleeping Cat, a breathtaking pinnacle of 19th-century Japanese animal study.

In the late 1800s, Kono Bairei was a central figure in the cultural revival of Kyoto. This woodblock print exemplifies his ability to capture the very essence—the kokoro—of his subjects with just a few masterful strokes. In Sleeping Cat, Bairei utilizes the Ukiyo-e tradition’s emphasis on bold shapes and negative space. The cat's form is defined by soft, textured ink washes that mimic the plushness of fur, while the single pop of vibrant orange on the collar provides a modern, graphic focal point. It is a work that perfectly captures the spirit of Nihonga art: a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and a burgeoning naturalist observation.

Original woodblock prints are prized for their unique ink-sink and the subtle grain of the paper. Our archival Giclée print is digitally mastered to preserve the delicate grey-wash gradients and the crisp, saturated orange of the original plate. Printed on premium matte art paper, it ensures the peaceful atmosphere and soft brushwork remain a stunning focal point in your space.

A sophisticated Statement Piece for a meditation room, a minimalist bedroom, or a gallery wall dedicated to Asian masters. This Kono Bairei Print is an exceptional gift for cat lovers, practitioners of Zen, and collectors of fine Japanese woodblocks

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