Tigers by Mountain Streams [right of a pair] c. 1892 - 1895

"Tigers by Mountain Streams," is a six-panel screen made with ink, color, and gold leaf on paper, by Kishi Chikudō in the later half of the 19th century. During the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan, paintings of tigers became popular, often displayed in homes to ward off evil. Yet, because tigers were not native to Japan, artists relied on Chinese paintings or descriptions, leading to fantastical representations. Here, the tigers exist in an ethereal landscape, their forms both powerful and gentle. The mother's protective gaze and the cubs' playful innocence challenge traditional symbols of fear, inviting viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of existence. This art piece reflects a reverence for nature and the emotional resonance of family bonds, offering a space for reflection on the self and the world.