zzz neko

Gift of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich, www.mfa.org

I should confess right up front that I'm devastated by Prince's death (here's what I am listening to as I write this post).  Like David Bowie, Prince was a huge part of the culture that shaped my youthful outlook; unlike David Bowie, Prince was behind some of my least smart but most enjoyable decisions.  (Bowie was behind the most tasteful.)  All that sounds very analytical.  What actually happened was that I found out at work and promptly burst into tears.
This led me to look for something elegant and serene today (now I'm listening to this), and here's the result: a woodblock print of a "Sleeping Cat" by Gyosai (Kawanabe Kyosai, 1831-89).  Gyosai was known for the gusto and exuberance of his nature and much of his work, but was also capable of quieter work that showcased his technical excellence.  This is one.  There is not one false stroke in this print, and the choice of a simple fade in the background is perfect.  Anything more complicated would spoil its peace.