Painting of a Cat by Ji Biao. 1819, China [1346 x 2500]

>An unique Chinese painting of a cat waiting in ambush. The painting is signed and dated by the artist to the fifth day of the New Year of *jimao* (已卯) year (30/1/1819). Traditionally it was believed that painting cats on this very day would ensure the protection of the household from pests throughout the year.

>Ji Biao (季標) was native of Rugao (如皋) county, Jiangsu (江蘇) province. He was a famous local poet and painter during his lifetime, but not many of his works have survived.

[Source](https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1177146/cat-painting-ji-biao/)