Description MASAOKI: A FINE 'TIGER AND BAMBOO' BAMBOO KISERUZUTSUBy Masaoki, signed Masaoki 昌興 MasaokiJapan, 19th centuryOf senryu-zutsu type, finely carved in the form of a segmented bamboo stalk and engraved in shishiaibori with kebori and katakiri, depicting a tiger perched on rocks issuing bamboo leaves, his face raised towards the crashing waterfall and crescent moon above. Signed MASAOKI.LENGTH 20.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few natural age cracks. Fine, unctuous patina. Provenance: Czech private collection.This motif is called take ni tora, "tiger in bamboo". There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.