Tiger [left of a pair of Tiger and Dragon], 1868
Mori Ippoexpand_more
Ink on silkexpand_more
Gift of Harriet and Ed Spencerexpand_more 2012.1.19.1
On View in Gallery 222expand_more
Dragon and tiger is a common pairing in East Asian art. According to the Chinese classic Yijing (Book of Changes), the dragon commands the clouds and therefore the heavens, while the tiger controls the wind and thus the earth. Together, the two creatures encompass the universe and were considered auspicious symbols.
In this pair of hanging scrolls, the tiger sits next to a small sprig of bamboo. Diagonal streaks of ink wash mimic the movement of wind. The dragon rises, barely revealing itself through breaks in the clouds. Its head emerges from splashed ink, offering a moment of visibility before it retreats into the heavens.
Details
- Title
- Tiger [left of a pair of Tiger and Dragon]
- Artist Life
- 1798 - 1871
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.1.19.1
- 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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