prowling tiger at center peering toward UL from around a diagonal, gnarled pine trunk; rocks in background

White Tigers [right of a pair], 1851

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The tiger is one of the most richly symbolic subjects of East Asian art. It is among the twelve animals of the zodiac, and appears in reference to Daoist, Buddhist, and folk legend, often paired with other symbolic subjects such as dragons, bamboo, or pine, as they are here. White tigers were thought to be the most noble of their kind and particularly auspicious. Gantai was the son and successor of Ganku (1749/56–1838), the founder of the Kishi school of painters. Like his father, Gantai was known for his vigorous depictions of animals, especially tigers.

Details
Title
White Tigers [right of a pair]
Artist Life
1782/85 - 1865
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.31.63.2
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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prowling tiger at center peering toward UL from around a diagonal, gnarled pine trunk; rocks in background