Minko
Tsu, early 19th century
A tiger turns its head back to lick the underside of its raised hind paw. Its eyes are set in a fierce stare as it maintains its guard, the thick tail flickering up its back. The plump cushiony brows are pulled into a frown. The weight and power of the creature’s body is suggested in the heavy spread of its haunches while the stretch of its back implies agility. Coat markings are boldly incised in short strokes and the eyes are inlaid in metal with dark horn pupils.
Although clearly the work of a Tsu carver, the features are plump and exaggerated, but less rugged than the carving typically associated with Tanaka Minko’s work, posing a question as to which carver created it.
