Zen Priest Bukan – Utagawa Kuniyoshi

A woman and her cat stretch after waking in this quietly humorous woodblock print by Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Their matching poses create a playful connection between the human and animal figures, while the open books and hairpin scattered nearby suggest a moment interrupted by sleep.

Created around 1847, the work belongs to Kuniyoshi’s series Sixteen Female Sennin, Charming Creatures. In the upper corner, an inset shows the Zen priest Bukan stretching beside the tiger traditionally associated with him, echoing the woman and her yawning cat below.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi was one of the most imaginative artists of the late Edo period. Celebrated for his warriors, actors, ghosts, monsters, and cats, he combined traditional ukiyo-e printmaking with bold compositions, visual jokes, and an unmistakable sense of character.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
• Title: Zen Priest Bukan
• Series: Sixteen Female Sennin, Charming Creatures
• Japanese series title: Enshi jūroku josen
• Date: Circa 1847
• Period: Edo period
• Place of Origin: Japan
• Medium: Color woodblock print

Print & Frame Details

• Fine Art Printing: Printed using advanced 12-color fine art printing technology for rich, accurate colors and detailed tonal depth.
• Paper: Smooth, high-quality matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper Weight: 200 gsm / 80 lb.
• Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame Profile: Approximately 20 mm thick and 10–14 mm wide.
• Protection: Lightweight, shatterproof plexiglass protects the artwork.
• Available Sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different rooms and wall arrangements.
• Responsibly Sourced: Printed on FSC-certified paper and framed with responsibly sourced wood.
• Made to Order: Each piece is produced especially for your order, helping to reduce unnecessary stock and waste.
• Worldwide Shipping: Produced through our international network of trusted print studios and shipped worldwide.