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Tiger & Dragon - T-Shirt

Tiger & Dragon - T-Shirt

Regular price $31.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $31.99 USD
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  • 7 day delivery
  • Free returns

This t-shirt features a striking reproduction of 19th-century Zen calligraphy "tiger and dragon", painted by none less than the revered swordsman and master calligrapher Yamaoka Tesshū.

The design

This composition features the Japanese kanji for Tiger and Dragon, rendered in the raw, energetic brushstrokes characteristic of Zenga (Zen painting).

In Japanese iconography, the Tiger represents terrestrial power and relentless courage, while the Dragon symbolizes celestial wisdom and spiritual mastery. We have inverted the Dragon for a modern touch and also in reference to the classic "yin – yang" dichotomy of the tiger & dragon motif. A subtle grunge effect gives this shirt a slightly vintage look. The artwork is anchored by our subtle red Kokin denju seal.

The artist

Yamaoka Tesshū (1836-1888) was one of the most legendary swordsmen of the Meiji era and the founder of the Muto-ryu (No-Sword) school. A master of Kendo, calligraphy, and Zen, Tesshū's brushwork is highly regarded for its "unfettered" quality – the idea that the brush follows the spirit without hesitation.

Why you'll love it

  • You are wearing a genuine piece of Zen art, drawn by the master swordsman and calligrapher Yamaoka Tesshū.
  • This shirt is perfect for everyone who cares deeply about Japanese martial arts, samurai, the history or Japan, calligraphy or the practice of Zen meditation.
  • The clean, minimalist aesthetic makes it perfect for everything from a focused training session to a relaxed weekend outing.
  • The Tiger and Dragon imagery serves as a daily reminder of the balance between action and stillness.

Details

👕 Soft Quality. Super soft material for ultimate comfort, medium weight

👬 Unisex Fit. Designed for all bodies with a comfortable, stylish cut

🧵 100% Cotton. Largely sourced within the US. (Sport grey shirts: 90% cotton, 10% polyester)

📏 True-to-Size & Pre-Shrunk. Buy your usual size.

🌱 Eco-Friendly. Made with OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes

💦 Long lasting. Wash inside out for best results

🇺🇸 Proudly printed, packaged, and shipped in the USA.

Sizing

You can find our Size Chart here.

How to care

In Japanese tradition, from the tea ceremony to martial arts, there exists a profound respect for the objects we carry and use. If you would like to provide good care for your new shirt, we suggest the following guidelines:

  • Wash your garments inside-out to protect the print.
  • Wash with similar colors to prevent discoloration.
  • Use a mild detergent.
  • Avoid the tumble-dryer – let it dry in the air.

Japanese Zen teaches us the impernanence (mujō) of all things. Your new shirt won't last forever. But if you care for it, it will thank you by aging gracefully.

Shipping & returns

Shipping

Our flat shipping fee per order is $4.99. Free shipping on all orders over $75.

Our average delivery time is 7 business days. We ship across the U.S. and keep you updated at every turn. Once your order is placed, use our live tracking tool to see exactly when your package will arrive.

30 Day Guarantee for Returns

Our goal at Kokin Denju is that you love your order. You can request a return & refund within 30 days from receiving your order – no questions asked.

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