A six panel screen (byobu) with sumi-e painting of tigers (tora) in bamboo (take). The chikkozu byôbu, literally "bamboo-tiger" is a popular subject in Japanese art and originates in Chinese myth and religion. Where in traditional Daoist thought the tiger represents the male, earth and the north, as well as the yang. In the yin-yang duality of the cosmos. The link between the tiger and bamboo also recalls a Daoist interlocking relationship of strong and weak. The "strong" tiger is able to protect the helpless bamboo forest, but the "weak" forest in turn is able to hide and thus protect the tiger. With some staining. Late Edo Period, early 19th century 68 ¼" high x 145 ½" (12’-1 ½") wide
