Carp 鯉 | Kanō school, n.sign | 18th century

In this anonymous painting, the content of the carp motif is expressed in various parameters of the composition. The jumping carp is a symbol of strength and vital energy in Japan. It is the animal of "Boys' Day" on May 5th, because it is supposed to teach young men that carp even climb waterfalls when they want to reach a goal.

The expression of determination and will is first expressed in one eye of the fish, but then also in the defiantly drawn-down corners of the mouth - that is, the head of the fish speaks a clear language as the focus of the message.  

But in this picture, the intention to express energy involves many other elements: the fin near the head stands upright like a flag, and the tail fin, which is turned to the right, makes you feel the muscle thrust that enabled the carp to jump. The rippled foam of the waves is like a trumpet fanfare that accentuates the magnificent leap. And the waves themselves permeate the entire picture with a powerful, almost woodcut-like condensed pattern, a movement that never comes to rest despite the haze in the upper part of the picture.

The picture has been remounted and restored, but the wonderful old gold-colored brocade frame, chūmawashi, was saved.