Traditional Japanese art tends to be highly stylized, so it’s wonderful to see an historical yet realistic representation in the art of Cincinnati born artist Robert Frederick Blum. He lived in Japan for three years in the 1890’s and documented his time with an incredible vibrancy and vivaciousness. It feels like the cat might stretch at any moment, or a roll of fabric might suddenly roll out of the frame.

You can read more about him at Spoon and Tamago, or see more of his art at DDN Japan. Isn’t it gorgeous?