The Red Carp c. 1804 - 1818

"The Red Carp" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Toyokuni I, created sometime between 1804 and 1818. The artwork depicts two vibrant red carp swimming through a turbulent stream, their bodies contorting in a dynamic, swirling motion. The artist's skillful use of color and line creates a sense of movement and energy, capturing the vitality of the carp as they navigate the currents. This print, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a classic example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period (1603-1868). The theme of carp, symbolic of strength and perseverance, was a popular subject in ukiyo-e, often representing the pursuit of success and good fortune.