Artwork
Lions and Tigers in Peony and Bamboo
Lions and Tigers in Peony and Bamboo is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Yamaguchi Sekkei. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1972.10
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
About this work
Overview
Lions and Tigers in Peony and Bamboo is a painting depicting two big cats, a lion and a tiger, playing amidst pink peonies and green bamboo, set against a distinctive gold foil background.
Subject & Meaning
The scene conveys a sense of playful interaction between the two predators in a serene, natural setting, juxtaposing potential ferocity with gentle coexistence among flourishing flora.
Technique & Style
Trained in Kyoto's Kano school, Sekkei employed traditional techniques, including the use of bold colors and gold foil. The latter served both aesthetic and practical purposes, enhancing the piece's visibility in low-light environments.
History & Provenance
Created by Sekkei, a product of the esteemed Kano school in Kyoto, a hub of traditional Japanese painting since the 16th century. Now part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
Designed for traditional Japanese interiors lacking windows, the painting's gold background was functional, reflecting light from candles and oil lamps to illuminate the scene in dark rooms.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yamaguchi Sekkei (Japanese: 山口雪渓) also known as Yamaguchi Sōsetsu (山口宗雪) (1644/48, Kyoto - 22 October 1732, Kyoto) was a Japanese artist of the middle Edo period. He sometimes went under the names Baian (梅庵) or Hakuin (白隠).
