The World of Ukiyo-e Cats : Purrfectly Curled up Neko
Museum “Eki” Kyoto
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Cats are believed to have lived in close proximity to human beings as far back as ancient Egypt. In Japan, they have been cherished as familiar companions since the early modern period. Even today, in fact, the “cat boom” remains strong, showing no signs of abating.
With their supple bodies, sleek coats, and temperaments that capriciously alternate between fickle and affectionate, cats continue to captivate people’s hearts. Interestingly, many of the behaviors we perceive as “cat-like” stem from their instincts as hunters. These distinctive and enchanting traits of cats have long inspired artistic and literary expression. In The Tale of Genji, written between the 8th and 12th centuries, cats are depicted as being doted upon in the imperial court, and during the Edo period (17th to the mid-19th centuries), they came to be frequently portrayed in hand-painted works and ukiyo-e (Edo-period woodblock prints). In particular, UTAGAWA Kuniyoshi, renowned as one of the greatest cat lover in the ukiyo-e world, produced a remarkable variety of cat-themed ukiyo-e prints.
Through ukiyo-e works featuring cats, this exhibition spotlights their lives, history, and relationship with humans, to present the timeless nature of cats that has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present. We invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cats, discovering not only their “cuteness,” but also their deeper appeal and the richness they bring to our society.
With their supple bodies, sleek coats, and temperaments that capriciously alternate between fickle and affectionate, cats continue to captivate people’s hearts. Interestingly, many of the behaviors we perceive as “cat-like” stem from their instincts as hunters. These distinctive and enchanting traits of cats have long inspired artistic and literary expression. In The Tale of Genji, written between the 8th and 12th centuries, cats are depicted as being doted upon in the imperial court, and during the Edo period (17th to the mid-19th centuries), they came to be frequently portrayed in hand-painted works and ukiyo-e (Edo-period woodblock prints). In particular, UTAGAWA Kuniyoshi, renowned as one of the greatest cat lover in the ukiyo-e world, produced a remarkable variety of cat-themed ukiyo-e prints.
Through ukiyo-e works featuring cats, this exhibition spotlights their lives, history, and relationship with humans, to present the timeless nature of cats that has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present. We invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cats, discovering not only their “cuteness,” but also their deeper appeal and the richness they bring to our society.
Schedule Now in session | Apr 4 (Sat) 2026-May 10 (Sun) 2026 36 days left Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥1100, University and High School Students ¥900, Junior High and Elementary School Students ¥500 | ||||
| Website | https://www.mistore.jp/store/kyoto/museum/event_list/event15.html | ||||
| Venue | Museum “Eki” Kyoto | ||||
| Location | 657 Higashi Shiokojimachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8555 | ||||
| Access | 1 minute walk from Kyoto Station on the JR, Kintetsu or Karasuma subway line. | ||||
| Phone | 075-352-1111 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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