[Prowling Tiger] Edo Period 6-panel Folding Screen


Artist:UnknownEra:EdoPrice:Inquire for PriceInquire:info@shirakuragallery.com

An absolutely stunning rendition of a powerful tiger—muscles rippling—prowling through a dark bamboo grove. One of the best tiger compositions I have personally seen, this piece benefits from the large scale of the folding screen. Versatile as well as attractive, the appearance of the tiger can be altered by adjusting the angle of the panels. When set in an accordion fashion, the tiger appears ready to pounce, when elongated, the tiger appears to be stealthily prowling.

As tigers are native to the continent and never existed in Japan, this screen is certain to have been composed based on paintings brought from China in the 17th or 18th centuries. In Chinese culture the tiger is a revered symbol which inspires awe and admiration. It is often depicted in folk-tales as a protector of the good and fighter of evil and is associated with the qualities of bravery, courage, and strength-of-will. In mythology, the tiger represents the greatest earthly power, as well as a protector of human life. It chases away the so-called “three disasters”: fire, thieves and ghosts.

This piece stands 67 inches tall (170 cm) and each panel measures 24.8 inches across (63 cm) for a total width of roughly 149 inches (378 cm). It is done in sumi and color on paper and has its original black lacquer wooden frame and silk brocade. This Edo period screen was the personal possession of a traditional screen artisan who lovingly and meticulously restored the mounting. Please inquire for shipping quotes or for high-resolution images.