Each vase is modelled in the form of a section of bamboo emanating from amorphous rockwork, upon which is stalking a cartoon-like macrocephalic tiger.
Each has been somewhat crudely constructed in a two-part mould, the tiger being applied afterwards and each is decorated in bold Kakiemon type enamels.
Tigers and bamboo together, symbolised the valour and indomitability of the samurai and were a common theme in Japanese art.
The vases appear in the 1763 Burghley Inventory: ‘the North drawing room….two china tygers.’
