This framed artwork expresses a mother of pearl design in which a group of carps swims under the water in a dramatic pose. The details of the fish created by unique gold powder painting and mother of pearl inlay, including scales and fins as well as a waterweed, are captured in minute detail.

A favorite subject for arts and crafts in Korea and China, carp symbolize the success in life; this representation comes from a Chinese legend in which the fish became a dragon as soon as it arrived at the head of the Yellow River in spring. In Korea, it is also a symbol of filial piety following a folk tale in which a son searches deep mountain valleys in the middle of winter to catch the fish for his aged mother.

Size: 47.2"W x 23.6"H (120 x 60cm)

Artist: Kim Jong-duk