Two Carp 1831

Katsushika Hokusai created this print called Two Carp, using woodblock printing techniques, at an unknown date. Hokusai lived during the Edo period in Japan, a time of relative peace and flourishing arts under the Tokugawa shogunate, but also a period of strict social hierarchy. Carp, or koi, are powerful symbols in Japanese culture, embodying perseverance, strength, and success. Often associated with overcoming obstacles, the imagery is rooted in the legend of carp swimming upstream to become dragons. Here, the two carp, rendered in detailed scales and dynamic poses, represent resilience and the rewards of hard work. This image would have resonated deeply within the social context of the time, where persistence and determination were highly valued. Look at the way Hokusai captures the energy of these creatures. The artist connects us to the symbolic and emotional weight of these figures. It’s a beautiful rendering of the power and beauty of overcoming adversity.