Chinese silk scroll depicting a tiger
Production date
Unknown
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Description
This large Chinese hanging scroll depicts a tiger walking into a mountainous landscape. The animal looks towards the left with an open mouth, only just avoiding eye contact with the viewer. The stylised depictions of the tiger emphasise its muscular body structure and his dominance in the depicted scene. The strong outlines of the mountainous landscape contrast with gentler strokes depicting water movement. A calligraphic inscription in Chinese script has been added to the top left part of the image.
At first glance, the presence of a Chinese work of art in the British Red Cross’ collection seemed unusual to me. However, as the British Red Cross was and is active worldwide, it only makes sense that this engagement would be reflected in its collection. In China, the tiger is the third zodiac sign and is usually considered to be the king of all animals. Indigenous to some Chinese regions, the tiger has often been depicted in Chinese art and it is possible that this scroll refers to another work of art. Whilst the origin of this Chinese scroll is unknown, it seems plausible that it could have been gifted to the Society during one of their local involvements. Such a gift emphasises the importance of cultural exchange as part of the British Red Cross’ international involvement and embodies its global impact.
Audio recording by Polina Chizhova (volunteer), Edinburgh.
At first glance, the presence of a Chinese work of art in the British Red Cross’ collection seemed unusual to me. However, as the British Red Cross was and is active worldwide, it only makes sense that this engagement would be reflected in its collection. In China, the tiger is the third zodiac sign and is usually considered to be the king of all animals. Indigenous to some Chinese regions, the tiger has often been depicted in Chinese art and it is possible that this scroll refers to another work of art. Whilst the origin of this Chinese scroll is unknown, it seems plausible that it could have been gifted to the Society during one of their local involvements. Such a gift emphasises the importance of cultural exchange as part of the British Red Cross’ international involvement and embodies its global impact.
Audio recording by Polina Chizhova (volunteer), Edinburgh.
Collection Type
Objects
Catalogue Number
0550/1
Associated Place
Subject auto tags
Object Types
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