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Cat's wedding
(Neko no yomeiri 猫の嫁入り)
(1781-1811)
- Medium
- ink and pigment on paper
- Measurements
- 128.2 × 29.2 cm (image and sheet)
- Place/s of Execution
- Japan
- Inscription
- stamped in red ink (in relief) u.r.: (…illeg.) (artist’s seal)
inscribed in brush and ink u.r.: 新嫁三毛猫三三九度盃花鰹一連 / 節裁在祝言甚
inscribed in brush and ink c.: 蜀山人
stamped in red ink (in relief) c.: 蜀 / 山人
inscribed in brush and ink l.l.: 呉春画 - Accession Number
- AS24-1992
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of Mr Baillieu Myer AC, Founder Benefactor, 1992
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
Since around the eleventh century in Japan, philosophical and playful paintings are often created by two artists when they met on special occasions or at casual get-togethers. Each artist would add their own details, making for a quickly executed work, such as this brush and ink work. It displays two cats in formal wedding attire and the female cat is making a toast with sake. In Japan, the animistic beliefs of the Shinto religion have resulted in folklore about animals that have the ability to transform into humans. On the tray is an auspicious presentation of dried bonito fish, and the bride’s kimono is decorated with mice – both a favourite of cats.
The inscription reads: ‘New bride, a three toned cat, three toasts from the wedding cup and one bundle of dried bonito fish, words for celebration’
