Design for a fan

Preparatory sketch on paper mount of a design for a folding fan. It shows a tiger in black ink and monochrome wash prowling amongst bamboo. Tigers are not native to Japan, and the symbolism connected to the animal comes from China. In Japan the tiger was an emblem of courage, dignity, revision, and improvement for samurai, and throughout the history of Japan the tiger has also been considered a symbol of a safe return home, believed to invite good fortune.