This six-panel Japanese folding screen depicts tigers crossing a river, inspired by an ancient Chinese legend: if a mother tiger gives birth to three cubs, it was believed that one is always a leopard (hyo). She has to be careful when crossing a river not to leave the ferocious hyo alone with the other cubs. Okyo was the most influential Japanese painter of his generation, and it is likely that he was assisted by his pupils, including his leading pupil Gen Ki.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Tigers Crossing a River, c. 1781–1782
Date supported
2006
Medium and material
Ink, colour & gold leaf on paper
Dimensions
153.5 x 352.8 cm
Grant
92695
Total cost
185390
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