Details

This striking composition features an intimate view of a tiger at relatively close range. The design is composed of generous amounts of negative space that serves to frame the composition and allow the tonalities of gray to articulate and animate the artist’s majestic creature. The tiger’s fur is expertly rendered in a rather convincing manner with varying washes of gray, showcasing the artist’s mastery of the medium. The manner in which Hiroshi Yoshida drafted the right paw that is turned toward the viewer, exposing the pads of this magnificent animal, is quite striking and surprisingly lifelike. The tiger is clearly presented as a distinguished warrior at rest, whose life was filled with many victorious hunts.  

This contemplative tiger painting was most likely produced in the year of the tiger of 1950. The tiger is shown in repose, with its attention at some unknown vista, not accessible to the viewer. The composition may foreshadow the artist’s impending death later in the same year.

Connoisseur's Note

Original works by the artist are quite rare. Further still, Hiroshi Yoshida print collectors have now turned to the artist’s original works to fill out their collections. Consequently, Yoshida's paintings have become quite scarce in the marketplace. When they do emerge, they command twice to three times the amount they were selling for only a couple of years ago.

This large-scale sumi on silk painting is in excellent condition and is signed in the artist’s distinct signature and seal at the lower left.