(Black Carp) c. 1900

This striking woodblock print presents a black carp, a symbol of strength and perseverance in Japanese culture, set against a subtly patterned background. The carp, or koi, is not merely a fish; it is a potent emblem of ambition and overcoming adversity. This symbolism stems from the legend of koi swimming upstream against strong currents to become dragons. Observe how the artist captures the carp's muscular form and determined posture, embodying resilience. Consider the image of fish swimming through water and how it mirrors the ancient Greek concept of the soul's journey through the underworld. These motifs transcend cultural boundaries, tapping into a collective unconscious where water represents both life and the unknown depths of the human psyche. Here, the carp invokes a sense of silent determination, engaging our primal instincts and stirring a deep, subconscious recognition of life's challenges and the will to overcome them. The symbolic journey of this black carp echoes through time, reappearing in various forms, constantly evolving.