Sleeping Tiger in Bamboo c. late 18th century

Watanabe Shusen painted this 'Sleeping Tiger in Bamboo' with ink on paper in the 18th or 19th century. The artist's mastery is evident in the nuanced application of ink, building up tones to create a soft, fur-like texture on the tiger and the dense leaves of the bamboo. The varying shades of gray, achieved through careful control of the ink's dilution, give a sense of depth and volume to the composition. The choice of ink and paper is significant. These materials are central to East Asian art, demanding a high degree of skill and precision, where each brushstroke is permanent. Yet, the materials also allow for spontaneity and expressiveness. The tiger, a symbol of power and protection, is rendered here in a vulnerable, sleeping state. The painting then becomes a meditation on the balance between strength and serenity, control and chance, in both art and life. The work invites us to consider the artist's touch, skill, and cultural context, and the ways in which they come together to create a powerful and enduring image.