Yokoyama Seiki “Goldfish”

Enlarge image by clicking on the thumbnail.

IItem No.
Title	“Goldfish”
Overall size	171.0cm×40.0cm
Artwork size	90.8cm×30.0cm
Artist	Yokoyama Seiki (1792-1864)
Date Created	19th century
Price	￥250,000（excluding tax）

　It depicts a goldfish bowl and several goldfish. The plump and rounded appearance is very cute.
　The finely drawn scales and beautifully gradated fins are skillfully depicted. The slightly blurred expression is charming and friendly. The movement of their fins is smooth and lively.

　Goldfish have been bred in Japan since ancient times, and in the late Edo period (1603-1867), the keeping of goldfish became a boom among the common people. In the streets of Edo, goldfish vendors selling goldfish were a summer specialty.

　Goldfish pictures were seen not only in the Shijo school but also in ukiyoe prints, etc., and were very popular, but in fact they also had an aspect of good luck.
　The goldfish are called “金玉満堂図（kingyoku mandou zu）”. The phrase “金玉満堂” is from a passage in Lao Tzu, meaning that the house is filled with gold, silver, and treasures. Since “jade” and “goldfish” are pronounced the same in Chinese, people paint pictures of goldfish for good luck.
　This work can be enjoyed as an auspicious piece of art that invites not only coolness but also wealth.

　Yokoyama Seiki (1792-1864) was a painter of the Shijo School and is known as the most famous disciple of Matsumura Keibun. He was involved in the reconstruction of shrines and temples, and together with Nakajima Raisho, Kishi Renzan, Shiokawa Bunrin, and others, was known as one of the “Four Famous Painters of the Heian area” in the late Edo period.

As an antique, it may have some scratches or blemishes. We recommend that you visit our store to check the condition.
If you wish, we will send you detailed photos of the item, so please feel free to contact us.