Takahashi SHOTEI (HIROAKI) (1871-1945)
Click here to view image full size.
A large design (20 x 13.75 in; 51 x 35 cms) on thick hosho showing a ginger cat and tomato plant. Two versions are known of this design: As here and with the cat having a black and white coat. An edition of only 100 prints was published by Fusui Gabo, 1931. This is an extremely rare proof print with the printer’s seal hand-stamped bottom right Ono Tomisaburo. At the bottom are the numerals: 6.12.10 standing for Showa 6, 12th month, 10th day (1931). Interestingly, the published edition of prints employs baren-suji – the pattern of baren marks left in the background, not evident on this proof. Shotei (he changed his name in 1921) must have been fond of cats as he designed a number of other prints but this is by far and away the best.
Very fine impression with extensive blind printing on the cat’s coat. Fine colour. Slight discolouration in margin at top left and right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Showa 6, 8th month, Hiroaki saku with Hiroaki seal.
Status: Sold
Takahashi SHOTEI (Hiroaki) (1871-1944)
Click here to view image full size.
A black cat with a bell round its neck. A striking design published by Fusui Gabo, Tokyo, c1935.
Fine impression and colour. Fine condition. The cat’s body is heavily lacquered and the two-tone background deliberately shows the baren marks. Signed Hiroaki.
Status: Sold
Takahashi SHOTEI (1871-1945)
Click here to view image full size.
A large print (13.75 x 20.5 inches; 35 x 52 cms) of a cat prowling around a staked tomato plant. A rare print by an artist who obviously had a penchant for cats as there are several other designs of them by him. Published by Fusui Gabo, Showa 6, 8th month.
Very good impression with the baren marks intentionally forming a background pattern. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroaki Saku with seal Hiroaki.
Status: Sold