Netsuke Japanese Life and Legend in Miniature by Edwin C. Symmes Jr

Author:Edwin C. Symmes, Jr.
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4629-1138-7
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Plate 22

Subject: Tiger in Thick Bamboo

Artist: Tametaka School

Material: Boxwood

Date: Mid-nineteenth century

Size: 1 5/8"x 1 1/4" x 1 1/4"

In many representations, the tiger is associated with bamboo. This seems quite natural, since the bamboo forest is the tiger's lair. However, Oriental philosophers see various meanings in the association.

Even the tiger, the strongest terrestrial animal, needs the assistance of the weak bamboo against the elements. Treading his way through the hostile jungle, he represents the power of good over evil. The protection given the tiger by the bamboo symbolizes the homage of the weak to the strong. Toy tigers are often given to youngsters as an expression of the hope that they will be as strong and courageous as tigers.

Bamboo is the most important Japanese plant. It is used to build their homes, to make many things of daily life, as material for works of art, and as food (the young shoots). The bamboo is the symbol of long life, steadfastness, and fidelity.

As a zodiac sign, the tiger is third in the order of rotation. When applied to time, it represents the period between 3 and 5 A.M.

The artist Tametaka (fl. 1781-88) lived in Nagoya and specialized in carving wooden netsuke. He is said to have originated the technique of carving raised designs. He was though of as an eccentric, yet he established a school of carvers, from which this piece is attributed.

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