Ferocious Tiger
猛虎図
Hijikata Torei · 1803 (Kyowa 3) · Hanging scroll
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"Ferocious Tiger" by Hijikata Torei is a color-on-silk painting of a tiger made in 1803 (Kyowa 3), among the last works of the artist, who excelled at tigers. It is held by the Kyushu National Museum.
- Artist
- Hijikata Torei
- Date
- 1803 (Kyowa 3)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
This is among the very last works of Hijikata Torei (1741-1807), who was active as a painter for the Tottori domain and excelled at tigers. It is color on silk, 181.0 cm high and 98.3 cm wide, and was made in Kyowa 3 (1803).
A tiger approaches with its gaze fixed ahead, and a magpie flies in the sky and perches on a pine tree. The magpie is regarded as an auspicious bird that brings good news, so the picture carries an auspicious theme.
Its greatest feature is the tiger's fur, with the long and short hairs carefully distinguished from area to area. It is a large work that conveys well the style of Torei, who excelled at tigers. The image likewise shows the striped coat and the bird and pine tree at the top of the picture.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Kyushu National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Dazaifu Accession no. A139
Plan your visit to Kyushu National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Kyushu National Museum, which holds "Ferocious Tiger".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Ferocious Tiger, and when?
- Ferocious Tiger is by Hijikata Torei, made in 1803 (Kyowa 3). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Ferocious Tiger?
- It is held by Kyushu National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Kyushu National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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