Dragon and carp
This painting is a study in contrasts. A dragon emerges from dark, animated clouds and waves above a rectangular lotus pond with three carp. The large roundel is saturated with color and ink, while the pond is delicately rendered with unpainted areas. The expressive dragon looms over the tranquil carp, both common subjects in Asian art. Dragons symbolize power and good fortune, and carp represent persistence and strength of character. The two creatures are often paired in images due to a legend of carp brave and strong enough to swim upstream and jump high into the air to be transformed into dragons. This allegory is linked to the challenge of passing civil service examinations; boys were frequently compared to carp in the hope that they would become successful officials.
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