<b>CAT COUPLE (AVEC)</b> / Tomoo Inagaki1977$2,500</em>

Details

In the early 1950s, Tomoo Inagaki crafted his initial cat design, drawing inspiration from his own feline companion. Initially inclined towards realism, Inagaki's evolving cat designs gradually shifted towards simplification, infused with the Japanese aesthetic of kawaii, or cuteness. Beyond their endearing charm, Inagaki's cat creations delve into a profound psychological dimension, transcending the boundaries of mere cuteness.

In this design, Inagaki masterfully captures the essence of two cats in a delightful and simplified form. The cats, with intricately detailed heads and faces, embody a sophistication that contrasts with the whimsical simplicity of their bodies—reminiscent of the innocent strokes of a child's stick-figure drawings. Poised upright, the darker-hued cat on the left gently rests an arm on its lighter-colored companion to the right. Evoking a sense of playful motion, subtle lines beneath their paws suggest a graceful gallivanting, as if these enchanting creatures dance upon this composition in a choreography of feline joy.

Connoisseur's Note

This work is in pristine condition with vivid colors—a testament to its years of archival storage. It is quite rare to find large-scale work that has never been framed or displayed and has been spared the transgressions of improper framing and fading caused by years of exposure to sunlight. This print is as fresh as the day it was printed. The work is signed and sealed at the lower right.