Carp Ascending Waterfall
19th century
Medium
Color woodblock print
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81523
Art Historical Context
Behold the dynamic *Carp Ascending Waterfall by Hasegawa Sadan, a captivating 19th-century color woodblock print from the Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection. This ukiyo-e masterpiece captures legendary motif rooted in East Asian folklore: the carp's heroic struggle to leap a raging waterfall, symbolizing perseverance ambition, and transformation into a mighty dragon. Sadanobu, a skilled Japanese printmaker of the late Edo period, brings this timeless tale to life with vivid energy, inviting viewers to ponder the rewards of unyielding determination. Crafted through the intricate uk...