Tiger Cleaning Its Paw c. early 19th century

"Tiger Cleaning Its Paw" is a Japanese painting on silk by Matsui Keichū, a prominent artist of the early 19th century. The painting depicts a tiger, rendered in meticulous detail, meticulously cleaning its paw while seated beneath a pine tree. The work's soft palette of ochre, browns, and blacks, along with the delicate brushstrokes used to depict the animal's fur, create a sense of quiet intimacy and respect for nature. This painting exemplifies the characteristic elegance and naturalism of the artist's work and showcases the beauty and power of the tiger as a symbol in Japanese art.