Tiger Family
1804
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
About the artist
Artist
Kishi Ganku
Kishi Ganku wasn't just a painter—he was a showman who brought wild energy to quiet Kyoto.
See the richer artist page1804
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Tiger Family is a 1804 unspecified by Kishi Ganku, a Nihonga work, depicting Tiger, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
You see a tiger mom with two cubs in a lush green forest. The mama tiger is big and calm. The cubs are small, one near her head, one by her feet. The colors are bright greens and soft tans. This kind of painting was popular in the early 1800s. People liked tigers because they symbolized strength and good luck. Kishi Ganku painted many animals but tigers made him famous. Look next at Kishi Ganku (Japanese, 1749/56–1838).
By the time this self-taught painter reached his thirties, his paintings were keenly sought after by Kyoto’s sophisticated patrons, including members of the imperial family. Judging from the surviving works, his supporters delighted in the colorful, auspicious imagery of Chinese historical figures, blossoming plum trees, cranes, peacocks, roosters, and especially tigers. Kishi Ganku was originally from the coastal town of Kanazawa, but relocated to Kyoto to work for the Arisugawa family. His work incorporates stylistic elements from the Kano school, the Maruyama school, and works by the…
Read the full account in the museum source.
Kishi Ganku wasn't just a painter—he was a showman who brought wild energy to quiet Kyoto.
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