Artwork

Dragon and Tiger

Dragon and Tiger, by Soga Nichokuan, unspecified, 1604
Dragon and Tiger, by Soga Nichokuan, unspecified, 1604

Dragon and Tiger is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Soga Nichokuan. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The painting 'Dragon and Tiger' depicts a dynamic scene featuring two symbolic creatures. A tiger emerges from a bamboo grove towards a waterfall, while a dragon descends through clouds on the opposite side.

Subject & Meaning

The tiger and dragon represent the harmonious balance of yin and yang, the feminine and masculine principles. These traditional symbols embody the complementary forces that govern the world.

Technique & Style

The work is attributed to Soga Nichokuan, a painter from Sakai, known for his depictions of hawk-eagles. The painting bears a signature and seals, confirming its authorship.

History & Provenance

The painting is housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, providing a tangible connection to its past.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.