A pair of large Arita models of leaping carps. Japan, Edo late 17th century

Each carp is modeled in relief, seated on its curved and forked caudal fin, with an open mouth, protruding eyes, raised pelvic fins, and detailed scales. The cyprinids each rest on slightly square bases depicting rocks speckled with manganese and iron red, with waves crashing from which the fish leap. The body of each of them is painted in gradients of cobalt blue, with violet and iridescent reflections, as well as highlights of gold.

Related works

A pair of carps on a square-sectioned rock but enameled in green and aubergine, from the Thiers Collection, is in the collection of the Musée du Louvre (TH485/TH486).

Notice

It is likely that Japanese potters were inspired by a glazed terracotta model from the Ming dynasty in China to create these porcelain carp models. Like in China, the carp in Japan is associated with longevity, perseverance, and fidelity in marriage.

In China, the leaping carp in foaming waters was associated with an old legend stating that the first carp to swim upstream in the Yellow River and jump over the Dragon Gate would transform into a dragon. This popular tale was a metaphor for a scholar who, after passing the imperial exams, would become a high-ranking official. Following China, the carp became a popular motif in Japanese decorative arts where its symbolic meaning prevailed. One of the most common ways to portray the carp was to depict the animal bending upwards over the waves, as seen in the model presented here.

These porcelain sculptures were likely used as decorative figures, and possibly as vases. Various examples were crafted by Japanese potters in Arita, in varying sizes (generally ranging from 12 cm to 32 cm), with different types of bases representing either a rock, waves, or sometimes both as in the model presented here. Sometimes in Japanese decorative arts, a male figure is depicted riding on a carp. The character then represents Benkei, a warrior monk from the 12th century. Legend has it that a giant carp had eaten his mother near the Bishamon waterfalls, and he went in pursuit to avenge her.

Carps porcelain from Japan were exported to Europe from the late 17th century onwards. The quality of these Japanese porcelain sculptures, the fact that Japanese porcelain was more highly prized in the early 18th century than that of China, as well as their extremely decorative nature, sometimes led them to be mounted on gilded bronze mounts by mercers in the 18th century.