Netsuke of Seated Tiger with Tail Curled beside Him 1800 - 1833

This is a netsuke of a seated tiger with its tail curled beside it, carved by Minkō sometime between 1735 and 1816. The sculpture is made of wood and has a warm, brown tone that brings out the tactile quality of the material. Notice how the sculpture's form emphasizes the tiger's compact, seated posture. Minkō uses a complex system of signs to convey the tiger's characteristics, playing with the traditional symbolism of the animal. The texture of the fur is subtly indicated through the carving, which suggests the animal's power. The curves of the tail mirror the rounded shape of the body, creating a cohesive visual structure. Consider how the formal qualities of the work—its careful composition and material presence—invite a continued engagement with themes of nature, culture, and artistic skill. Its design and execution serve not only an aesthetic function but also a cultural and philosophical dialogue about the nature of representation.