Cat Watching a Spider 1888 - 1892

"Cat Watching a Spider" is a painting by the Japanese artist Oide Tōkō, completed between 1888 and 1892. The painting depicts a grey cat with a patterned scarf, intently watching a spider on the floor. The cat's posture and facial expression convey a sense of focus and curiosity, while the spider's small size emphasizes the cat's dominance. The painting, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Tōkō's mastery of detail and his ability to capture the nuances of animal behavior in a charming and humorous way. This work is a testament to the artist's skill in the *Nihonga* style, known for its use of traditional Japanese materials and techniques.