What movement is Cat?

Cat is associated with Qing dynasty painting.

Artwork

Cat

Cat is a paint painting by the Qing dynasty painting artist Ji Biao. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This painting shows a cat crouched low, tail flicking, eyes locked on prey.
Made in China in 1819, it’s more than just a cat. People believed painting cats on New Year’s Day kept pests away all year.

The artist signed it on the fifth day of the New Year. That tradition ties art to luck, not just looks.

Look up Ji Biao next.

Overview

This 1819 painting depicts a cat in a state of alertness, poised to pounce on unseen prey. Created in China, the work combines artistic skill with a traditional belief in the cat's protective role.

Subject & Meaning

The cat is shown crouched low with its tail flicking, embodying the tension of a hunter waiting in ambush. The painting's significance extends beyond its representation of the animal, as it was believed to offer protection from pests when created on a specific New Year's day.

History & Provenance

The painting is signed and dated by Ji Biao, a poet and painter from Jiangsu province, to the fifth day of the New Year in 1819. Ji Biao was known locally for his artistic and literary talents, though few of his works remain.

Context

The tradition of painting cats on certain days of the New Year was thought to ensure the household's protection from pests throughout the year, linking the artwork to a broader cultural practice that tied art to good fortune.