ABSTRACT
Distortion in art, misunderstood so often, is essential at times to represent the ideas of the artist. Japanese often represent Buddha riding on a tiger. In order to show how his mental concentration completely subjugates the beast, the tiger is depicted in a state of partial collapse. His skin, instead of being sleek with powerful muscles rippling under the surface. is painted to appear loose and flabby with pleats like an accordion. Buddha sits erect, serene and dignified, not in the least perturbed by his position on the back of an animal physically capable of destroying him with a blow.
