Pair of paintings with ink on paper. Japan, 1st half 19th cent.
On this scroll picture pair is a very generously composed depiction with powerful, distinctive brushstrokes. Featured is respectively a koi (carp) in the middle of a raging, torrential stream. In the left image, a fish slides down the wild water and shows a rather amused expression in the big eye, in the other it seems to be very concentrated and intends to ascend the vertical fall uphill like a rocket. The carp is symbolic for determination, thus for success, advancement and also victorious courage. Both paintings are signed in the same manner and feature respectively two red seals. Both signatures state TAN-SHIN FUJI-WARA MORI-MICHI fude (painted by ...) 探 信 藤 原 守 道 筆. The little seal is Morimichi, the big one Kano Uji no In, "seal of the Kano family". Both pictures partly with brocade silk mounting and ivory rollers. Gluing on the reverse, particularly on edges, but generally good condition.
PICTURES 121,5 x 55 CM, SCROLLS 203,5 x 65 CM
From a German collection