Saitō Oniwakamaru on a Carp 1873

This is Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's woodblock print of Saitō Oniwakamaru on a Carp. Notice the vibrant blues and reds that dominate the composition, immediately drawing your eye into the dynamic scene. Yoshitoshi masterfully plays with form, contrasting the smooth, pale skin of Oniwakamaru with the detailed, scale-like patterns of the carp. The artist challenges the viewer to think about the relationship between the organic and the symbolic: the carp is not merely a fish but represents courage, perseverance, and transformation. The print reflects a broader cultural dialogue around the Edo period’s end, questioning traditional values while embracing new forms of expression. Yoshitoshi's work encourages us to contemplate how established meanings can be destabilized through art. The tension between traditional subject matter and innovative visual techniques is key to understanding the print's enduring appeal.