japanese shikishi art - vibrant red carp swimming up waterfall for motivation

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of this dramatic shikishi watercolor painting, titled Tobu Koi ("Flying Carp"). Originally created for display at the tea ceremony, this shikishi features a vibrant red koi fish courageously swimming up a foaming, white waterfall. The artwork perfectly captures the symbolism of perseverance, strength, and determination. In Japanese culture, the koi represents the relentless pursuit of one’s goals, making this piece not only a stunning visual addition to any collection but also a powerful reminder of resilience.

The artist, Nakatani Bungyo (b. 1944, Tokushima), masterfully painted this striking design onto a premium, gold washi shikishi board. With its rich color palette and dynamic composition, this piece brings a splash of color and inspiration to any home, office, or space in need of motivation. 

The shikishi is signed by the artist and stamped with his personal seal. It includes a paper with the artist’s signature and title of the piece and an additional paper with the artist’s profile.

Whether displayed as part of a personal collection or given as a thoughtful gift, Tobu Koi is sure to inspire and uplift.

- measures 24.2 cm  (9.52”) x 27.2 cm (10.7”)
- weighs 70 gm.

(listing for shikishi art board only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in our shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

KOI FISH
The koi fish achieved mythical and spiritual status through the Waterfall legend  In this ancient tale, a majestic school of golden koi, brimming with strength and shimmering resilience, ventured upstream of the Yellow River in China. When faced with a formidable waterfall at the river's end, most turned back, carried away by the current. However, a select few persisted, leaping ceaselessly in a futile attempt to surmount the cascade. Their tenacity captured the attention of local demons, who, in mockery, heightened the waterfall out of malice. After a century of unwavering determination, a lone koi triumphed, reaching the summit. Recognizing its perseverance, the gods transformed the koi into a golden dragon, symbolizing ultimate power and strength.

Known to swim against the current and overcome great obstacles, Koi embodies strength, courage, patience, and success achieved through perseverance. 

SHIKISHI BOARDS
Shikishi boards are made from fine handmade washi paper laminated to a hard board backing. They are edged with a strip of gold paper and are used for sumi-e paintings, haiku poems, calligraphy and watercolor paintings. There are also silk screen and printed shikishi too. The regular size measures 242 mm (9.52”) x 272 mm (10.7”). Lately a mini size, measuring 120 mm (4.73”) x 135 mm (5.32”) has also become popular. 

Traditional shikishi art is based around the seasons and seasonal events. Paintings of flowers, animals, fish, vegetables, lucky images, events, such as Hina Matsuri. boys day, bean throwing day and New Year can be found. Japanese people rotate around the paintings to reflect the season, making a display to keep themselves in touch with the beauty of nature and yearly festivities, from within their own home.

Japanese shikishi were traditionally attached to a hanging scroll and displayed in the tokonoma of a formal Japanese tatami mat room. Recently people do not have a tokonoma so some lovely frames for shikishi have become available. They still give you the option to change around your art according to the seasons and also give you the freedom to make a display in any room you like.