Object Details
Description
A tiger: an open hollow chamber in the center. Surface: a green patina; traces of earth adhesions. Decoration: cast in low relief.
Label
Although the purpose of this bronze object and it's pair F1935.22 is unknown, the inspiration for the form is obvious. Like real tigers, the ferocious heads have alert, menacing eyes and erect ears, as if the matching animals are ready to move. Each low-slung body is supported by powerful, sturdy legs and ends with a long, coiled tail. Dots on the face represent whisker follicles, and stripes on the middle section, lower legs, and tails resemble the unique markings of these fierce creatures. Despite having added curving fangs and intricate decorations on the shoulders and haunches, the designer was obviously familiar with the appearance of real tigers. This suggests parts of north China were warm enough to support such wildlife three thousand years ago.
When the Freer Gallery acquired the pair in 1935, an accompanying note claimed the bronze tigers had been unearthed in 1923 at Baoji in Shaanxi province, where monarchs of the Zhou dynasty had reigned for more than a century.
Provenance
To 1935
Tonying and Company, New York. [1]
From 1935
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Tonying and Company, New York. [2]
Notes:
[1] Curatorial Remark 1 in the object record. See also Curatorial Remark 9 in the object record.
[2] See note 1.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
Resound: Ancient Bells of China (October 14, 2017 - July 5, 2021)
Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes (November 20, 2010 to January 3, 2016)
Chinese Metalwork (May 9, 1993 to March 21, 1997)
Chinese Art (February 18, 1983 to April 1, 1987)
Chinese Art (June 15, 1982 to September 24, 1982)
Chinese Art (March 15, 1982 to June 15, 1982)
Chinese Art (March 9, 1981 to March 12, 1982)
Chinese Art (January 1, 1963 to March 6, 1981)
Chinese Bronze, Jade, Marble (March 1, 1957 to January 1, 1963)
Centennial Exhibition, Galleries 14 and 15 (February 25, 1956 to March 1, 1957)
Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Jade and Bronze (August 26, 1955 to October 25, 1955)
Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Art, 1955 (October 24, 1955 to February 25, 1956)
Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Art, 1945 (January 9, 1945 to August 20, 1955)
Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Art, 1944 (December 13, 1944 to May 7, 1946)
Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Metalwork, 1943 (March 22, 1943 to December 13, 1944)
Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Metalwork (March 14, 1931 to March 22, 1943)
Previous custodian or owner
Tonying and Company 通運公司 (established 1902)
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Date
ca. 950-850 BCE
Period
Middle Western Zhou dynasty
Accession Number
F1935.21
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Unclassified
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 25.3 x 15.9 x 75.2 cm (9 15/16 x 6 1/4 x 29 5/8 in)
Origin
Baoji, Shaanxi province, China
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
casting
metal
bronze
tiger
Western Zhou dynasty (ca. 1050 - 771 BCE)
China
Chinese Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1935.21