Japan, 19th century. Ink, watercolors, and gouache on paper. Mounted as a hanging scroll, on a silk brocade coated paper frame with wooden handles. Executed in the classical style of the Maruyama School and depicting a ferocious tiger seated on his hindlegs with bulging green eyes and mouth agape revealing sharp fangs.

Inscriptions: To the bottom-right, signed 'Rogetsu utsusu' 蘆月写 ('painted by Rogetsu'). Two seals, 'Rogetsu' 蘆月 and 'Shiken' 士謙.

Provenance: From the Private Collection of Walter and Dörte Simmons, Potomac. The Simmons built a noteworthy collection of Japanese paintings and used their insightful and educated eyes to acquire pieces that reflect traditional themes and subjects in a beautiful manner.
Condition: Good condition with traces of use, tears with associated tiny losses, minor touch-ups, and some creasing. The brocade frame in excellent condition with minor traces of age.

Dimensions: Image size 125 x 52.8 cm, Size incl. mounting 201 x 67.6 cm

The Maruyama School was founded in the mid-18th century by Maruyama Ōkyo (1733-1795). Originally founded in Kyoto, the school opened several other locations, including a location in Osaka, due to its popularity among the general populace. Maruyama Ōkyo, himself a student of the Kanō School, founded the school after gaining popularity from several commissions which were met with great excitement. Today much of the school's work is preserved at Daijō-ji, a temple in Kasumi. Noteworthy pupils include Ōkyo's son, Maruyama Ōzui, Nagasawa Rosetsu, and Matsumura Goshun.