Tiger paintings have long history in Asian. You might have well seen at least some of them somewhere sometime before- even if you are not oriental mania or antique collector- I am pretty sure. Originally tiger (Tigres, L) mean the fire based on the elemental theory. In old Asia, the tiger was the most powerful real animal they could see from around whereas lion was somewhat legendary and even imaginary. Chinese people imported lions from Bizantine long time, but the display and exhibition were allowed only for nobles and lay poeple rarely had have chance to experience the real one. In general, tiger has meant power, passion, , bravery, pierce fury, and threat as well as protection.
Chinese Tiger
Tiger painting was known to have originated from Ming Dynasty when they started put the tiger painting onto the wall. Sometime tiger was seating down under pine tree while it came up with maggpies.
Korean Tiger
As time goes more, the Korean tiger painting adopted more geometrical rendition. When you see any Yin Yang style tiger (Korean national symbols adopted 19C), that probably tells you that the painting is made after 1904 when the Japanese imperialism forcefully took the Korea to their colony.
Korean tigers sometimes come up with rabbits holding long smoking pipe. Along with the magpie, the rabbits symbolize counter balance power of tiger. Unlike magpies, the rabbits are humorous symbol of lay people who make fun of the nobles in the rigid social caste system in old Korea. The point is that the rabbits are never afraid of the powerful tiger and rather they look smater than the tiger itself.
Japanese Tiger
Tiger and Dragon Paintings screen panel - edo period ink paintings.
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