Tora (Tiger)

Date17th century

Label TextAssociated with strength and fortitude, tigers are counted among the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac and are commonly seen in Japanese art, commonly with bamboo or in combination with images of dragons. There are no tigers in Japan, and Japanese artists’ depictions of them often appear more like house cats than ferocious beasts.

Object number49.264

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Rabbit, Cat and Horse; Endearing Creatures in Japanese Art, December 21, 2002 - March 16, 2003. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Deities & Demons: Supernatural in Japanese Art, October 20, 2022 – May 18, 2025 (on view December 7, 2024 – May 18, 2025).

Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection

Dimensions12 3/4 x 9 in. (32.4 x 22.9 cm)

MediumInk and color on paper with clay and shell wash