ARTIST : Kano Kuninobu (1787 - 1840) was the second son of Kano Tanboku Morikuni who was the sixth generation head of the Kano Kajibashi school. Kuninobu was adopted by the Nakabashi branch of the Kano school, eventually becoming its fourteenth generation head. He worked as 'oku eshi' to the Tokugawa government and received the title of 'Hogan'. From this time he changed his 'go' or art name from Tanshu to Yusei (alt. reading Sukekiyo). This painting is signed Yusei Kuninobu (the seal reads Kuninobu) and thus was painted after he had received the title of Hogan, likely toward the latter part of his career. See Roberts p.96.
AGE : first half of the 19th century
SIZE : The image measures 42'' by 16'' (106 by 41 cm). The scroll measures 72'' by 20'' (183 by 51 cm).
DESCRIPTION : This image of a leaping Koi by Kuninobu has been brushed with great bravura, employing powerful ink work and bearing touches of sensitive coloring. The Chinese tradition concerning the fish holds that every year thousands of Koi, a courageous fish with great perseverance and endurance, make the journey up the Dragon river. Against incredible odds, every few years one of the fish will swim to the head of the river and leap from the water. It was taught to boys that the koi which succeeded in leaping the waterfall would be transformed into a dragon; a metaphor for success against the odds. Whereas in China it was used primarily to represent the difficulties of the annual national examination for literary honors, in Japan the symbol retained its meaning though was adopted more widely throughout the arts and was used as more of a constant reminder of heroism and perseverance.
TECHNIQUE : ink and color on silk
CONDITION : The painting is in very good condition. The brocade presents the painting very well and creates a powerful impression. The brocade actually pre-dates the painting and likely was chosen by the owner to be its original mounting. The 'futai' and 'ichimonji' bear the crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The silk surrounding the painting is ancient and certainly showing its age though restoration has seen it preserved in its present state.
