Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

The painting "Carp or Koi" by Ohara Koson captures the serene, fluid beauty of koi fish in their natural aquatic environment. The artwork is a traditional Japanese woodblock print that showcases Koson's exceptional ability to blend realism with delicate, dreamlike qualities. The koi fish are depicted with meticulous attention to detail, each scale rendered individually, displaying a kaleidoscope of subtle colors ranging from golden yellows to deep oranges and reds. The fish are positioned gracefully, their bodies curving with a natural flow that suggests effortless movement through water.

The background is minimalistic yet effective, featuring gentle ripples and gradients of blues and greens that imply the water's depth and clarity. The composition uses a balanced asymmetry typical of Japanese art, allowing for dynamic interaction between the elements while maintaining a sense of tranquility. The empty spaces surrounding the fish invite the viewer's imagination to fill in the rest of the pond, enhancing the ethereal quality of the piece.

The overall mood of the painting is one of calmness and introspective beauty, a fitting tribute to the koi's symbolic representation of perseverance and grace in Japanese culture.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

Ohara Koson (1877-1945), also known by several other names including Ohara Shōson, was a prominent Japanese painter and printmaker associated with the Shin-Hanga ("New Prints") movement. This movement aimed to revitalize traditional Japanese woodblock prints with modern techniques and sensibilities, blending the old and the new.

Koson is best known for his exquisite representations of birds and flowers, but he also depicted a wide array of animals, including fish, which have an important cultural significance in Japan. "Carp or Koi" fits distinctly within his oeuvre, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship and keen observation of natural subjects that Koson is celebrated for.

While exact details of which museum holds the original "Carp or Koi" print are less specific, Koson's works are widely collected and can be found in prestigious collections such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. His prints continue to be highly sought after by collectors and art lovers alike, reflecting a significant appreciation for his contribution to Japanese art.

Koson's work, including "Carp or Koi," is a testament to the enduring power of traditional Japanese art forms, rendered with a sensitivity to both natural beauty and symbolic meaning. Through his prints, Koson has left an indelible mark on the world of art, capturing fleeting moments of nature's elegance with a timeless grace.