Koi 1832 - 1852

"Koi" (1832 - 1852) is a woodblock print by the celebrated Japanese artist Keisai Eisen (1790 - 1848). This ukiyo-e print, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Eisen's mastery of detail and vibrant color. The print depicts a single black koi, its scales rendered with meticulous precision, swimming gracefully against a blue background. The koi's large eye and open mouth suggest a sense of life and movement, while the delicate brushstrokes capturing the surrounding water plants add a sense of tranquility. Eisen's "Koi" is a beautiful example of the enduring appeal of Japanese art and the captivating beauty of the natural world.