Cats Cradle Collection

Cat's Cradle, 1892. Creator: Walter Richard Sickert
Cat's Cradle, 1892

On the Balcony, 1898 (oil on canvas)
3431709 On the Balcony, 1898 (oil on canvas) by Godward, John William (1861-1922); 50.5x76 cm; Manchester Art Gallery, UK; © Manchester Art Gallery

A Wife Beating her Husband (oil on panel)
RAF81405 A Wife Beating her Husband (oil on panel) by Molenaer, Bartholomeus (1612-50); 24x17 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Rafael Valls Gallery, London, UK; Dutch, out of copyright

Young Women Playing Cats Cradle, c. 1767 / 68. Creator: Suzuki Harunobu
Young Women Playing Cats Cradle, c. 1767/68. Attributed to Suzuki Harunobu

Two Young Women Playing Cats Cradle, c. 1769. Creator: Isoda Koryusai
Two Young Women Playing Cats Cradle, c. 1769

A Victorian card of kittens playing cats cradle; c. 1880 (colour litho)
3603528 A Victorian card of kittens playing cats cradle ; c.1880 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; Photo eDavid Pearson; English, out of copyright

The Puzzle (engraving)
6010468 The Puzzle (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Puzzle. Illustration for The Infants Magazine (1870).); © Look and Learn

The Blue Dress, 1917 (oil on canvas)
MIB90952 The Blue Dress, 1917 (oil on canvas) by Martin, Henri (1860-1943); 81x60 cm; Private Collection; eWhitford Fine Art, London, UK; French, out of copyright

Sketches of the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace (engraving)
1107268 Sketches of the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace (engraving) by Courbould, Alfred (fl.1831-75); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches of the Cat Show at the Crystal Palace)

Cats Cradle (engraving)
6010450 Cats Cradle (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cats Cradle. Illustration for The Infants Magazine (1869).); © Look and Learn

A young girl sits while a young boy winds a cats cradle around her hands (colour litho)
960230 A young girl sits while a young boy winds a cats cradle around her hands (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cats Cradle)

Seesaw - Gloucester, Massachusetts, published 1874. Creator: Winslow Homer
Seesaw - Gloucester, Massachusetts, published 1874

Two Young Women Seated by a Kotatsu Playing Cats Cradle, ca. 1765. ca. 1765
Two Young Women Seated by a Kotatsu Playing Cats Cradle, ca. 1765

Cats Cradle, ca. 1765. ca. 1765. Creator: Suzuki Harunobu
Cats Cradle, ca. 1765

Kiwai child, living at the entrance to the Fly River, New Guinea, 1922. Artist: WN Beaver
Kiwai child, living at the entrance to the Fly River, New Guinea, 1922. Illustration from Peoples of All Nations, Their Life Today and the Story of Their Past, volume II, British Empire to Dahomey

CATs CRADLE, Engraving 1876

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"Cats Cradle: A Timeless Game of Connection and Play" Step into the world of "Cats Cradle, " a captivating game that has transcended time and cultures, leaving its mark on various forms of art. From paintings to engravings, this simple yet intricate pastime has inspired artists throughout history. In "On the Balcony, 1898, " an oil painting on canvas, we catch a glimpse of a serene moment as two young women engage in Cats Cradle. Their hands gracefully intertwine with the string, creating delicate patterns against the backdrop of a sunlit balcony. Contrasting this tranquility is "A Wife Beating her Husband, " an intense depiction on panel. Here, Cats Cradle takes on a symbolic meaning as it represents the entangled power dynamics within relationships – an exploration of control and submission. Traveling back in time to 1858-59, we encounter "Cats Cradle" captured through pencil, pen & black and brown ink on paper. This detailed artwork showcases the intricate formations created by skilled hands maneuvering string with precision and dexterity. The Japanese masters Suzuki Harunobu and Isoda Koryusai also found inspiration in Cats Cradle during the late 18th century. In their respective works titled "Young Women Playing Cats Cradle" (c. 1767/68) and "Two Young Women Playing Cats Cradle" (c. 1769), they celebrate not only the game but also female camaraderie amidst playful interactions. Moving forward to Victorian times, we discover a charming color lithograph from around 1880 depicting kittens engrossed in their own version of cats cradling – showcasing how this timeless game even captures feline curiosity. Beyond visual arts, Cats Cradle finds its way into engravings such as "The Puzzle" or sketches like those seen at Crystal Palace's Cat Show – proving that this game has not only entertained but also fascinated people across different mediums.