A bakeneko (化け猫?, “monster-cat”) is, in Japanese folklore, a cat with supernatural abilities akin to those of the fox or raccoon dog. A cat may become a bakeneko in a number of ways: it may reach a certain age, be kept for a certain number of years, grow to a certain size, or be allowed to keep a long tail. In the last case, the tail forks in two and the bakeneko is then called a nekomata (猫又?, or 猫股 “forked-cat”). This superstition may have some connection to the breeding of the Japanese Bobtail. A bakeneko will haunt any household it is kept in, creating ghostly fireballs, menacing sleepers, walking on its hind legs, changing its shape into that of a human, and even devouring its own mistress in order to shapeshift and take her place. When it is finally killed, its body may be as much as five feet in length. It also poses a danger if allowed into a room with a fresh corpse; a cat is believed to be capable of reanimating a body by jumping over it.
Fantastic work John, loved to read the story behind it also, xoxo anna
I had this lying around for while. To post or not to post but I glad I did. Japanese folklore and ghost stories are quite intriguing to say the least. Thank you so much Anna. : D
This gives me goosebumps Jovan. Japanese ghosts especially the catlike variety always get me in. xoxo
I know what you mean Annie. When I post this last night, I thought it looked eerie too. Maybe it’s the charcoal effect. Btw. I know you’re a real ghost fiend. lol!
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Fantastic work John, loved to read the story behind it also, xoxo anna
I had this lying around for while. To post or not to post but I glad I did. Japanese folklore and ghost stories are quite intriguing to say the least. Thank you so much Anna. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
This gives me goosebumps Jovan. Japanese ghosts especially the catlike variety always get me in. xoxo
I know what you mean Annie. When I post this last night, I thought it looked eerie too. Maybe it’s the charcoal effect. Btw. I know you’re a real ghost fiend. lol!
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
Oh brilliant creation, John! Love everything, composition, textures, expression. And what an amazing story. More!
It is a brilliant story Leny, totally agree. I find charcoal gives it an eerie quality to the subject matter. Thank you once again. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
Demonic beauty! Love the myth and image! Bravo, bravo!!!…)o(
Thank you so much Druidstorm, a pleasure. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
bravo !
my best, your host (francis).
Many thanks Francis. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
Lovely work, John . . .
Many thanks Carol and Mike. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
Incredibly spooky! As you know cats and I have an affinity. xo
I always associate cats with women. I guess they are both sexy and mysterious. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
JANUARY 4th, 2012
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Many thank yous Mary and Happy New Year to you and your family. John D xo
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
splendid – i admire it very much….great work john
Always a pleasure to hear from you Loui. Hope you’ve been well. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )
So cute. so menacing, and very,very well drawn!
Many a thank you and happy new year. : D
– John Dicandia ( JinnDoW )