Family Gallery： Come Together, Feline Friends of Tigers!
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Tiger (detail), By Maruyama Okyo, Edo period, 18th century
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
April 12, 2016 (Tue) - May 22, 2016 (Sun)This exhibition is held in conjunction with this year’s annual commemorative event for International Museum Day, “In Search of Tigers on Ueno Hill” (scheduled for May 15; advanced booking required). This event is organized jointly by three institutions in Ueno Park: Ueno Zoological Gardens, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Tokyo National Museum.
From long ago, paintings with tigers have also been popular in Japan. But, because tigers do not inhabit Japan, no one knew what they were really like. Before that, the people of Japan could only imagine tigers based on paintings, stories, or tiger fur from overseas. Tigers that look just like cats were also drawn back then.
Artworks featuring tigers from Japan and other Asian counties have been brought together for this exhibition. While some tigers look like imaginary animals, others are quite realistic. Other animals, such as leopards, lions, and cats, are also featured. Take a close look at these “feline friends of tigers,” who are expressive even to their tails!
Current exhibit includes:
Dragon and Tiger, By Kano Tsunenobu, Edo period, 17th century
Dish, Tiger and bamboo design in underglaze blue with celadon glaze, Imari ware, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Hirano Kosuke)
Embroidered Insignia (Hyungbae badge), Joseon dynasty, 19th century
Tiger, By Maruyama Okyo, Edo period, 18th century
Two Tigers on Rock, By Suzuki Chokichi, Dated 1900