Tiger

Hwang Jong-ha

1887–1952

Tiger, circa 1930s

Where object was made: Korea

Material/technique: colors; ink; silk

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 123.1 x 51.1 cm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 48 7/16 x 20 1/8 in
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 198 x 65.5 cm
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 77 15/16 x 25 13/16 in
Roller Dimensions (Width x Diameter): 28 x 1 3/16 in

Credit line: Museum purchase

Accession number: 2011.0020

Not on display

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Label texts

Nature/Natural

In this hanging scroll, Hwang Jong-ha skillfully contrasts the soft fur of a tiger with the ferociousness of its fangs and claws. Having grown up during the Colonial Period (1910-1945), like many Korean artists, he was heavily influenced by Japanese culture, which is evident in this work. While Hwang blends nihonga-Japanese style painting-with western-style realism, he still manages to imbue his tiger with a decidedly Korean character. The crazed, slightly crossed eyes refer to the “crazed look” used to depict Korean tigers in minhwa or “folk painting.” Perhaps this slightly coded node to Korean tradition, which is grafted onto contemporary styles from the West and Japan, was Hwang’s attempt to keep the flame of Korean culture alive during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945).

Nature/Natural

Exhibition Label: "Nature/Natural," Feb-2011, Kris Ercums In this hanging scroll, Hwang Jong-ha skillfully contrasts the soft fur of a tiger with the ferociousness of its fangs and claws. Having grown up during the Colonial Period (1910-1945), like many Korean artists, he was heavily influenced by Japanese culture, which is evident in this work. While Hwang blends nihonga-Japanese style painting-with western-style realism, he still manages to imbue his tiger with a decidedly Korean character. The crazed, slightly crossed eyes refer to the “crazed look” used to depict Korean tigers in minhwa or “folk painting.” Perhaps this slightly coded node to Korean tradition, which is grafted onto contemporary styles from the West and Japan, was Hwang’s attempt to keep the flame of Korean culture alive during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945).