Lot 351: Watanabe Shiko (1683-1755) Edo Period, 18th century

Edo Period, 18th century
Kakejiku, Kano style, a pair of scrolls, both depicting a carp in water, in ink on paper; the left scroll with a carp swimming beneath stylised ocean currents, the other showing a carp preparing itself to ascend a waterfall, both signed Shiko ga with seal Shiko no in; with tomobako titled and signed by the artist Watanabe Kyuma hitsu and outer lacquer storage box. Each 116cm x 43.8cm (45 5/8in x 17¼in). (4).

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Born in Kyoto in 1683, Watanabe Shiko was apparently a masterless samurai ronin who entered the service of the aristocratic Konoe Family in Kyoto in 1709. He is best known as one of the leading exponents of the decorative Rimpa style; compare with another scroll also depicting a carp ascending a waterfall executed in Rimpa style, illustrated in the Special Exhibition Catalogue, The Price Collection, Jakuchu and the Age of Imagination, Tokyo National Museum (ed.) 2006, p.72, no.9.

Japanese paintings of 'carp and waterfall' refer to an old Chinese story of carp trying to ascend the waterfall at Longmen. According to the legend, a carp successfully swam up the Longmen Falls (Dragon's Gate), where it then transformed itself into a dragon. This became in time a symbol for perseverance and success. Even today, this auspicious motif is linked to the Boys' Day Festival (5th day of the fifth month) when carp streamers are ubiquitiously displayed.

A six-fold screen painted with herons by the artist was sold in these rooms, 12th November 2008, lot 185.