Fujishima Seison(1863-1935), Swimming Carp, Japanese hanging scroll

Art work details

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*From the store

This is the first painting I have seen that depicts several different varieties of koi together in a single composition.

In particular, I believe the white-and-black koi in the center is a variety known as Shiro Bekko—a koi with a white base and distinct black markings. (I'm not a koi expert, so it may be a different variety.)

Most koi paintings feature more common varieties such as Kohaku (red and white), Taisho Sanke (red, white, and black), or solid black koi. In this work, however, the different colors of each individual koi overlap and harmonize to create a unified palette.

The embroidered mounting surrounding the painting is also noteworthy. From the innermost border outward, the motifs are flowers, dragons, and small birds. This may symbolize the flowers blooming around the pond, the birds fluttering nearby, and the legend of the koi that ascends a waterfall and transforms into a dragon. The flowers painted in the lower right are likely autumn grasses and blossoms. In addition, the generous blank space above and below the composition, and the restraint shown in not overpainting the scene, lend the work an elegant and refined character.

The artist, Fujishima Seison, is not particularly well known. Nevertheless, it is evident that he inherited the traditions of the Maruyama school and thoroughly mastered its realistic approach to depicting koi.

The scroll ends have been replaced with modern wooden ones (slightly smaller than the originals).

It comes with a tomo-bako (the original storage box inscribed by the artist).

I would highly recommend this work to anyone looking for a somewhat unusual koi painting.

*Please note that there is some minor flaking of the white pigment around the eye and abdomen of the black-and-white koi.*

*If you would like the hanging scroll to be slightly shorter, it can be trimmed to your desired length for an additional fee.*
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Setting weight
This piece weighs 1.25 kg.

Material
Japanese pigments on silk

Size
Overall: vertical 211 cm (83.07 in) × width 63.3 cm (24.92 in)＊width does not include roller ends.
(the work: vertical 122 cm (48.03 in) × width 50.4 cm (19.84 in))

Condition
・There are burns, stains, wrinkles, floats and gaps at the upper ends on the Japanese paper on the back of the cover.
・There are some burns, stains on the image.
・There are burns, stains, wrinkles, warp in the mounting.
*The shaft tip has been replaced with a modern one.
*Please note that there is some minor flaking of the white pigment around the eye and abdomen of the black-and-white koi.*

Remarks
・Roller ends are Wooden.
・Tomo-Bako.(Box inscription by the artist.)

Materials for mounting
All of them are made of silk.

Other
**There is a note about shipping restrictions and VAT. Please check before purchase.**
*There may be a slight difference in color between the photo and the actual product.

*Notes on Shipping

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Biography

Fujishima Seison(1863-1935)

Born in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, in 1863. His name was Keihachi.
Painter of the Maruyama-Shijo school. Studied the Shijo School under Kawaguchi Gesson.
Later, he admired the style of Sesshu and Sesson, and excelled at ink landscape paintings and portraits.