The artwork titled “Apparition of the Monstrous Cat” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and is classified as a mythological painting.
The artwork vividly depicts a dramatic and supernatural scene, characteristic of Kuniyoshi’s distinctive style. On the left, a male figure appears in startled motion, his robe flowing as he turns away from the monstrous presence behind him. The central figure, dressed in traditional Japanese attire, seems apprehensive, clutching a scroll and gazing toward the same formidable entity. Dominating the background, the colossal and terrifying face of a cat looms menacingly, its wide eyes adding to the overall sense of foreboding. On the right, another figure, distinguished by her flowing robes and long black hair, looks on with a blend of curiosity and caution, accompanied by an spectral companion. The scene is a masterful integration of human drama and the supernatural, reflecting the richness of mythological themes in Ukiyo-e art.
