The Koi in Japanese Art

Posted on | June 1, 2010 | 3 Comments

Nothing is more soothing and meditative than to watch koi swimming lazily in a pond and yet the symbolism for koi is anything but peaceful. There is a well-known legend dating back to ancient China about one koi that traveled the long distance upstream against the strong Yellow River current and successfully made it over the infamous Dragon Gate Falls, a seemingly overwhelming barrier. It was such an impossible task that the koi was rewarded by being transformed into a dragon. This legend was later introduced to Japan where it became part of Japanese lore, and the koi became a symbol of worldly aspiration and achievement, tenacity of purpose, and indomitable courage to the Japanese. Families display koinobori (flying carp banners) outside their houses each year on May 5th, what is now called Children’s Day (known in the past as Boy’s Day or ‘tango-no-sekku’), as a visible prayer that their children will grow up strong and healthy and be able to stand up against all the fierce currents of adversity. The koi symbolism is also appropriate for students who have done well in their examinations and for wishing anyone continued success in life.

One example of this legend is seen in a design on a fabric panel wall hanging. It shows the koi approaching a waterfall and at the top right is a small dragon. The kanji on the upper right reads “Gateway to Success” which makes this a great gift to inspire any student or someone starting out in business.

Koi, Dragon and Waterfall Quilted Wall Hanging

Another example of this design can be seen in this panel:

Koi, Pines and Waterfall Quilted Wall Hanging

Having this symbolism hanging in one’s home is a great reminder of what inner strength we can reach for to achieve our goals.

Comments

3 Responses to “The Koi in Japanese Art”

THRIFTY CANUCKS
June 1st, 2010 @ 2:06 pm

I am your first follower, Melissa.

Those are absolutely gorgeous hangings. Love the colour.
maxmew
July 30th, 2010 @ 9:54 am

it was very interesting to read japanesqueaccents.com
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
mhennrick
July 31st, 2010 @ 9:29 pm

Quoting is fine–just please have a link back to this source URL. The link to my twitter page is available on this blog.