An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Tiger [left of a pair of Tiger and Dragon]1868
Artist: Mori Ippo
Japanese, 1798 - 1871
seated tiger with no ears visible; gold brocade border
40 3/8 x 16 3/4 in. (102.55 x 42.55 cm) (image)
69 x 23 1/4 in. (175.26 x 59.06 cm) (overall, without roller)
Hanging scroll, left of a pair; ink on silk
hanging scroll, one of a pair
Japan
19th century
Gift of Harriet and Ed Spencer
In the realm of East Asian art, where the air is thick with history and myth, two powerful figures find their place in a dance that transcends time: the dragon and the tiger. Each figure is steeped in ancient tales, where the dragon is not just a creature, but a majestic ruler of the clouds and the heavens. It commands the atmosphere with an essence that feels both divine and untouchable. In contrast, the tiger strides confidently on solid ground, a fierce guardian of the wind and the earth, representing strength and vitality.
Imagine a serene room adorned with elegant hanging scrolls, painted with strokes that seem to whisper stories of the universe. One scroll captures the tiger in serene repose beside a delicate sprig of bamboo. The bamboo, with its gentle resilience, stands as a symbol of flexibility and strength, reflecting the harmony that exists in nature. It is almost as if the tiger, with its powerful muscles poised to leap, understands the importance of balance in the world around it.
Across from the tiger, the dragon plays its own enigmatic game. In the midst of a swirling mist, its form remains elusive, teased out by splashes of ink that echo the clouds it commands. With each stroke, the painter captures the moment where the dragon’s head rises, shimmering with mystery, a fleeting glimpse before it melts away again into the heavenly haze. The tension in the ink mimics the breath of the wind, a dance that reflects both the power and the restraint of nature.
Together, these two beings embody the dualities of existence; the tangible and the ethereal, the earth and the sky, the seen and the unseen. In their harmonious pairing, they evoke a sense of auspiciousness and balance that resonates deeply within the canvas of life itself. As the narratives of the dragon and the tiger unfold, they remind us of the profound connections that bind all elements of the universe, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find peace in the intricate dance of creation.
About the artist
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