Carp c. 1835 - 1839

"Carp" is a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige, a prominent artist of the Edo period in Japan. Created between 1835 and 1839, this "chūban" (horizontal) print showcases a single carp swimming through a rippling current. The artist’s meticulous detail is evident in the realistic depiction of the carp’s scales and fins, and the masterful use of blue and white pigments to depict water creates a sense of movement and dynamism. The artwork is a fine example of Hiroshige’s later artistic style known as "ukiyo-e," which focused on landscapes and nature scenes with a strong emphasis on detail and atmospheric qualities.