Printmaking
Tiger
by Xu Beihong · Yixing, Jiangsu$499
$599
In stock
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The Story
This work is part of Xu Beihong’s iconic Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals series, created in 1945. Xu, a master of blending Western realism with Eastern ink art, painted each zodiac animal to reflect its cultural symbolism and the spirit of the times. The tiger, a symbol of courage, power, and protection in Chinese culture, was especially meaningful to him during the war years. He used soft ink washes to render the tiger’s fur and sharp, precise lines to define its stripes and muscular form, creating a sense of quiet strength. The calligraphy on the side reads “乙酉冬日悲鸿写”, marking the year he completed this piece. For Xu, the tiger was not just a zodiac animal; it was a symbol of resilience, representing the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people. He once said that the tiger’s steady stride reflects the determination to move forward through hardship. Today, this painting remains a beloved example of his mastery, blending art, culture, and the spirit of his time into one vivid image.
Craft & Process
Combining Western realism with traditional Chinese ink techniques, the work uses fluid lines and soft washes. It aims to capture the tiger’s true nature and symbolic meaning, blending artistry with cultural heritage.
About the Artist
Xu Beihong
Yixing, Jiangsu
Xu Beihong (1895–1953): the painter who fused European academic realism with ink, and whose galloping horses became a national symbol of resilience.
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