Tiger Emerging from Bamboo c. late 18th century

"Tiger Emerging from Bamboo" is a captivating painting by Katayama Yōkoku, a renowned Japanese artist of the late 18th century. This striking work depicts a ferocious tiger emerging from a thicket of bamboo, its powerful form and sharp claws rendered with remarkable detail. The tiger’s menacing gaze and bared fangs convey a sense of primal energy and impending danger, while the delicate brushstrokes used to depict the bamboo create a stark contrast in texture and scale. This painting showcases Yōkoku’s mastery of both realism and expressive brushwork, capturing the essence of the tiger and the beauty of its natural environment.