Our global ARTiSTORY teams are celebrating the Chinese New Year.
We start the Year of the Tiger embodying the Tiger’s characteristics -
daring, enthusiastic, generous, active and loving challenge and adventure.
Tiger
Maruyama Ôkyo
MFA,Boston
RES.90.20
Cats and tigers belong to the same family of animals- the Felidae family. Although they differ greatly in size, they are similar in shape and appearance. In addition to their beautiful fur, sharp claws and teeth, they both have great flexibility and superb hunting skills. Many artists and animal lovers are keen to observe these amazing creatures, and are always surprised by their charm, strength and cuteness.
Tiger
Ogata Gekkô 1890s–1900s
MFA,Boston
2016.1001
Unlike the cat's naturally cuddly figure and mysterious character, the tiger gives the impression of sternness and ferocity. When it is quiet, it is calm and steady. When it prepares for hunting, it roars and gallops. However, when a tiger reveals its adorable and leisurely side, the huge contrast brings a unique image of “adorably goofy”. Then its alternative name "big cat" makes more sense.
Tiger
Shibata Zeshin
MFA,Boston
50.2190
There is a famous Chinese children's story which says that the tiger’s hunting skills are taught by the cat. It shows the similarity between the body movements of the cat and the tiger. And the contrast when the tiger shows its lovely side continues to delight its observers and provide inspiration for artists. Therefore, ARTiSTORY has included many tiger related collections and developed creative design assets under our annual theme “Feline Frenzy”.
Tiger
Gao, Jianfu
MFA,Boston
1980.141
The tiger is also famously seen as a solar animal in Chinese folk culture, associating it with the symbolisms of the sun, summer and fire. Then it is considered as an “angel beast”, who can fight against the evil winter monster, Nian, dispel darkness and bring peace. This auspicious meaning makes the tiger especially popular in the Chinese Spring Festival.
We wish you a happy year of courage, ambition, and luck.