Fish Biting at Crackers

Catalog note / 解説

Small fish nibble at rice crackers on the surface of a pond, while a koi carp dips out of view, showing just its tail. The delicate palette and sketchy lines in this fan print by Zeshin conjure a relaxed atmosphere appropriate to summer. The watery theme, moreover, stimulates a welcome sense of coolness. Zeshin’s skill as a lacquerer, for which he was renowned, influenced his work as a print designer. The cropped tail of the carp echoes designs that spill over onto the sides of Japanese lacquer boxes, making for a refreshing and innovative composition. Materials: Print design on paper