- Guitar wo hiku Neko to Shakushi (Everybody Playing Guitar), 1979 -

The very rare and humorous woodblock print “Guitar wo hiku Neko to Shakushi” (Everybody Playing Guitar) by Takeji Asano features a cat and shakushi depicted as guitar players in a funky, playful style. The lively subject matter reflects the artist’s distinctive sense of humor and joyful personality.

A shakushi is a Japanese kitchen utensil used to scoop rice, also known as a shamoji. It has a round, paddle-shaped head attached to a handle. The Japanese idiom “neko mo shakushi mo” (literally, “cats and ladles”) means “everyone” or “everything,” adding a clever layer of wit to the composition.

This work is characteristic of Takeji Asano, perfectly blending strength, originality, and simplicity. The dynamic, modern design and limited color palette make the print especially appealing for contemporary interiors, while also pairing beautifully with mid-century décor.

The Japanese title “ギターを弾く猫と杓子,” the artist’s hand-signed name “浅野竹二,” and the signature “T. Asano” appear in the lower margin. The block signature “T.a.” with the date is printed within the image on the left side.

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 10 and 1/2 x 16 and 1/8 inches (26.7 x 40.7 cm)
Image size: 9 and 1/2 x 14 and 1/4 inches (24 x 36.3 cm)
Sheet number: N/A
Date: 1979
Signed: Block signed "T.a" in the lower right of the image. His hand-signed in Japanese and English on the bottom margin.
Condition: Overall, in good condition for its age. There is minor age toning, a faint mat line, a few tiny spots (including minor ink spots), and minor creases along the margins. There are tape residues and minor scuffing from previous mounting along the edges of the verso. As shown in the photographs, the margins display several ink smudges, which are characteristic of boldly crafted Sōsaku Hanga prints.
*The handmade paper contains bark bits or other natural impurities. Please refer to the photographs.

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