Dragon and Tiger with Plum and Bamboo

Kano-school workshop, Kyoto/Ōsaka circle

Ink (and light colour) on silk; green-and-gold karahana brocade mount

Mid- to late Edo, c. 1740–1800. 130 × 92.5 cm

Sinewy ink lines and soft tarashikomi mist set a dragon in cloud against a ground-prowling tiger,

tempered by sprigs of cherry and bamboo. The lively faces and rhythmic striping show a trained

Kano hand working from studio models, more Kansai than Edo in taste. A well-preserved Edo

mounting complements the scene’s poised, martial grace. ●