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The Symbol of the Dragon and the Tiger in Chinese and Japanese Art

E&I Program: 
Asian Odyssey
Discipline(s): 
English language arts, social studies
Grade level : 
9 to 12

This lesson plan looks at the dragon and the tiger, symbols of power, are portrayed in the art of China and Japan. Students will compare and contrast Eastern and Western conceptions and portrayals of the dragon.

The Symbol of the Dragon and the Tiger in Chinese and Japanese Art (330.2 KB PDF)
Keywords: 
China, Japan, animal, symbol
Associated Art: 
  • 1958.427.2 Fachang Muqi (Chinese, 1220-1280), Tiger
  • 1959.136.1 Sesson Shūkei (Japanese, 1504-1589), Dragon
  • 1959.136.2 Sesson Shūkei (Japanese, 1504-1589), Tiger
  • 1964.43 Wen Zhengming (Chinese, 1470-1559), Old Pine Tree
  • 1983.3.1 Kishi Ganku (Japanese, 1749/56-1838), Tiger Family
  • 1983.3.2 Kishi Ganku (Japanese, 1749/56-1838), Tiger Family
  • 1985.134.1 Soga Nichokuan (Japanese), Dragon
  • 1985.134.2 Soga Nichokuan (Japanese), Tiger
  • 1999.47 Lucas Cranach (German, 1472-1553), Saint George Slaying the Dragon

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