Sitting Tiger c. mid 18th century

"Sitting Tiger" is a masterful ink-and-color painting on silk by renowned Japanese artist Yanagisawa Kien, dating back to the mid-18th century. The work depicts a tiger in a dynamic yet contemplative pose, its large, expressive eyes and intricate fur patterns rendered with meticulous detail. The artist's masterful use of brushstrokes creates a sense of movement and energy, despite the tiger's static position. This painting showcases Kien's skill in capturing the animal's powerful presence and embodying the traditional Japanese appreciation for nature and its creatures.