清　龔谷　躍鯉圖　四條屏|Nine carp

Art Historical Context

This striking set of four hanging scrolls, titled *Jumping Carp* (or *Nine Carp*), was created by the Chinese artist Gong Gu during the Qing dynasty in the 19th century. Painted in ink and color on paper, the work exemplifies traditional Chinese scroll painting techniques, where fluid brushwork and delicate washes bring the fish to life across a continuous composition spanning nearly six feet in width when displayed together. The choice of four separate hanging scrolls allows viewers to appreciate the dynamic arrangement of the nine carp in a flowing, panoramic format. This medium and format were especially valued in Qing-era China for large-scale decorative and contemplative works, often intended for scholarly or auspicious settings. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2018, the painting highlights the enduring appeal of fish imagery in Chinese art. The lively depiction invites contemplation of nature’s vitality within the refined aesthetic traditions of the period.