Two carps 

Katsushika Hokusai made this print of "Two Carps" using woodblock printing techniques. The composition immediately draws you in with its dynamic tension. Notice how the two carps are intertwined, creating a sense of movement within the confined, fan-shaped frame. The scales, rendered with meticulous detail, contrast with the fluid lines of the fins and tails. The arrangement of the carps challenges traditional perspective. Hokusai plays with depth and space, overlapping the figures so that they are almost suspended in the blue background. This creates a flattened effect typical of ukiyo-e prints. The water and foliage are suggested rather than depicted realistically, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the image. Hokusai uses the carp, a symbol of perseverance and strength in Japanese culture, to explore themes of ambition and overcoming obstacles. Through the formal elements of composition and line, the artist transforms a simple image into a powerful expression of cultural values. The print invites us to contemplate the relationship between form and meaning, where the visual structure serves as a vehicle for cultural and philosophical discourse.