Tora (Tiger)

17th century

Japanese

Associated 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.

Ink and color on paper with clay and shell wash

12 3/4 x 9 in. (32.4 x 22.9 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

49.264

Not currently on view

Resources

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).

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM