WHITE TIGER
MEDIUM : PENCIL ON PAPER
SIZE: 30" X 24"
ARTIST : TIKO SANIKIDZE
Tiger
In Georgia, as well as elsewhere where the tiger was or is common, this animal is highly respected. Admiration is caused by the physical and visual features of the tiger, as it is one of the most beautifully "painted" animals.
In countries where tigers are found, it has also been the object of some worship. An example of this in our literature is the poem of the “Tiger and the Servant", which is a “monument” of Georgian oral tradition.
The animal is widely represented in Buddhist religion and Chinese mythology. It was also a deity in the Siberian tribes. The Tungus people treated a tiger as an older human.
In general, the king of animals in Asia was rather a tiger, than a lion. In India it was referred to as the Raja of the forest.
In literature or folklore, the tiger was often portrayed as a competitor to emphasize the strength and courage of the main characters.
In Korea, the tiger was worshiped as the god of mountains and caves. It was considered the patron saint of the ruling royal dynasty and was regarded as the “mediator” between heaven and earth.
It is no coincidence that the tiger Hodori was selected as the official mascot of the Summer Olympics in Seoul (1988).
Besides, the Koreans believed that images and embroideries of tigers, as well as other items with the animal’s imagery on it, were considered as amulets with special power. Nowadays, there is still a tradition, according to which an image of a tiger is hung on the front door to protect it from evil spirits.
