Carp c. 18th century

Sō Shiseki painted this hanging scroll of a carp sometime in the mid-18th century with ink and color on silk. Shiseki lived during the Edo period, a time of economic growth, strict social order, isolationist foreign policies, and the flourishing of the arts in Japan. Against a softly muted backdrop, the carp emerges, its form delineated with expressive brushstrokes. In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes perseverance and determination because of its ability to swim upstream, even against strong currents. This symbolism resonates deeply within the historical context of the Edo period. Consider how Shiseki uses the carp not just as a symbol of masculine strength, but also perhaps as a metaphor for the individual's journey through life's challenges. The gaze of the carp carries with it a profound sense of longing and aspiration.