Karper en vlieg 1900 - 1930

"Karper en vlieg" (Carp and Fly) is a delicate work by renowned Japanese artist Ohara Koson, dating back to the early 20th century. The painting, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, captures a single carp in a serene, almost ethereal setting. The fish is rendered with meticulous detail, its scales shimmering in the faint light that filters through the water. A small fly, perched on the surface above, provides a subtle touch of movement to the otherwise tranquil scene. Koson's mastery of *nihonga*, a traditional Japanese painting style, is evident in the delicate brushstrokes and the use of natural pigments. This *ukiyo-e* (woodblock print) is considered a fine example of *giga* (painting of fish), a popular subject matter in Japanese art, and demonstrates Koson's keen eye for nature.