As Above, So Below

”As Above, So Below” is a 12x18” hand-carved linoleum block print printed in black oil-based ink on 16x20” Japanese kitikata paper. The print is numbered and signed in a limited edition of 60.

The print features a Korean style tiger lounging in a dogwood trees above flames. The tiger is calm in the face of destruction, licking his paw knowing he can face anything. Tigers are often featured as guardian deities in funerary art and as the spirit of the mountain god in Buddhist and folk art. In every conceivable artistic genre, tigers have been widely portrayed in Korea as magnanimous symbols of superiority, as well as auspicious creatures that expel evil spirits. In Korean art, the ferocious roar of the tiger is never depicted; instead, tigers are shown with a stern expression, or perhaps even a mirthful grin. One of the most striking features of art portraying the Korean tiger is the eyes; they are often bulging and painted a bright yellow. This is a recurring aspect of most, if not all art with the tiger as its subject. For some paintings, it is used as a tool to accentuate the tiger’s ferocity, and in others it creates a more comical characteristic. The specific style of drawing the eyes is often thought to enhance the majestic nature of the tiger in addition to highlighting its bold appearance as the focal point of the painting. 

Taking over 60 hours to carve, this print is a part of an ongoing series of hand carved linoleum block prints inspired by traditional Japanese wood blocks. Other prints in the series include: “Capybara Oasis”, “The Watcher”, and “The Hunt” all available on FemmePrints.com

*Please note that due to the nature of hand-carved linoleum block printing, every print will have its own unique quality. Each edition is inspected to be the best quality and similar, but I cannot ensure exact replica of the print pictured on this site. Part of the magic of printmaking is all of the print-specific marks like "noise" or carving marks that add to the feel of the print. Please take note of this when ordering.