Description

A powerful carp braces its curved body against a wide, smoothly curving stream of water descending from the upper right. Its dark back and finely rendered scales stand out clearly against the pale ground, while the pale yellow fins and tail fin appear almost translucent, further emphasizing the upward movement.

At the lower right stands a moss-covered rock face, out of which bamboo branches with broadly inked leaves grow. They are rendered with a loose brush and form a deliberately restless counterpoint to the calm, wide-spanning curve of the water. Small white dots suggest splashing droplets. The contrast between the smooth, unbroken stream of water and the frayed bamboo leaves is the true compositional event of the image.

The carp climbing a waterfall is one of the best-known symbols of East Asia: according to tradition, the fish that manages to reach the top transforms into a dragon. Since then, the motif has stood for perseverance, willpower, and career advancement. Signature and red seals are placed at the bottom and upper right. Executed as a screen print on silk.