A FINE PAINTING OF A TIGER, JOSEON DYNASTY, 17TH-19TH CENTURY
This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve

Korea. Ink, watercolors, and gouache on linen. Finely painted to depict a tiger passing by silently then suddenly turning and glaring in the distance, taking a menacing stance. Each strand of the tiger’s fur, which moves in accordance with the body, is depicted through the repetition of fine lines that join together to create a thick pelt. The upper right signed and with two seals.

Provenance: The Collection of Sam and Myrna Myers, Paris, France. Acquired between circa 1965-2012.
Condition: Good condition with wear, creasing, small stains, tiny losses, light browning.

Dimensions: Image size 77 x 30 cm, Size incl. frame 89.5 x 38 cm

Mounted and framed behind glass.

This composition of a tiger emerging from the mountains was first employed by Zhao Miaochuo, a Chinese artist famous for his tiger paintings who lived during the Northern Song period. From the latter half of the Joseon dynasty, such tiger paintings featuring the same composition were produced in large numbers for appreciation.

The Book of Changes includes a passage in which the transformation of the tiger and leopard into magnificent and dignified animals after shedding their hair while hidden in an autumn fog is likened to a man who is completely transformed into a superior man. As such, the tiger emerging from its hideout often represent the man of virtue, or noble man, coming out of seclusion and going out into the world to change it for the better.

The mountainous landscape of Korea was once home to a large tiger population, such that the country was popularly known as the “Land of Tigers.” Korea was also once called the “land of the exceptional people who know how to tame the tiger,” demonstrating the close relationship between tigers and the Korean people. From ancient times through the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Koreans have expressed their reverence for tigers in various ways. For example, a tiger plays a prominent role in the myth of Dangun, which depicts the birth of the Korean civilization. Tigers are often featured as guardian deitiesin funerary art and as the spirit of the mountain god in Buddhist and folk art. In every conceivable artistic genre, tigers have been widely portrayed in Korea as magnanimous symbols of superiority, as well as auspicious creatures that expel evil spirits.In Korean art, the ferocious roar of the tiger is never depicted; instead, tigers are shown with a stern expression, or perhaps even a mirthful grin. This style reflects not only the Confucian values of virtue and benevolence, but also the cheerful and optimistic spirit of the Korean people.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 16 March 2021, lot 250
Price: USD 62,500 or approx. EUR 64,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Anonymous (17^th-19^th century), Tiger and Magpie
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of painting and subject with similar posture and menacing facial expression. Note the different size (166.1 x 86 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 21 March 2012, lot 1055
Price: USD 16,250 or approx. EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Anonymous, late 19^th century, Tiger
Expert remark: Compare the closely related manner of painting and subject. Note the size (79.5 x 49.5 cm).