Fierce Tiger
猛虎図
Kano Naonobu · Early Edo period (17th century) · Hanging scroll
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A hanging scroll in ink and light color on paper by Kano Naonobu, from the early Edo period (17th century), designated an Important Art Object. A tiger rests a paw at the edge of flowing water, with bold use of empty space. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum owns it.
- Artist
- Kano Naonobu
- Date
- Early Edo period (17th century)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
On the large horizontal composition a single tiger is painted. Its paw rests on the bank of a stream that flows in from the back right, and stretches its long black-striped tail high in an arc. Rocks lie at its feet, with churning water, and a tree trunk and grasses can also be seen at the upper right. The painting is mainly in ink with very pale color added.
According to the museum's commentary, the tiger's mouth has a faint touch of color, and it is hard to say whether the mouth is open or the tongue is showing, but the picture is said to catch the moment the tiger is about to drink. The commentary also calls its watchful expression catlike and endearing.
The bold use of empty space is said to be a hallmark of Naonobu's painting, and here too nothing unnecessary is drawn, leaving a clean composition that leads the eye to the subject. Naonobu was the younger brother of Kano Tan'yu; in 1630 (Kan'ei 7) he was granted a residence in Edo, became an official painter to the shogunate, and founded the Kobikicho Kano family. He is said to have excelled at delicate, lyrical ink painting. The scroll is 141.0 cm high and 231.0 cm wide.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
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Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Fierce Tiger, and when?
- Fierce Tiger is by Kano Naonobu, made in Early Edo period (17th century). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Fierce Tiger?
- It is held by Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
- Japan Search (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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