Carp in Waves during Meij period

Carp in Waves — Meiji period (late 19th century)

Ink-dark water, silvered spray, a single carp powering through the surge. This Meiji-era design distils Japanese woodblock poetry into movement—an S-curve body cutting the current, scales catching light as stylised waves crest and fall. Symbol of perseverance and good fortune, the carp turns turbulence into grace. A serene, statement print for calm, characterful rooms.

Why it captivates

• Icon of resilience — the koi as emblem of strength, success, and steady ascent.

• Graphic elegance — bold contour lines and rhythmic wave forms read beautifully at scale.

• Timeless palette — indigo seas, ink blacks, and pearly highlights suit classic or modern spaces.

• Surface alive with detail — scales, foam, and water-ripples reward close looking.

• Cultural resonance — Meiji-era craft bridging ukiyo-e tradition and modern sensibility.

• Statement artwork — tranquil yet powerful focal point for living rooms, studies, and entryways.

What you’ll see

A carp arcing upstream through stylised, foam-tipped waves; fine linework articulating scales and fins; subtle tonal gradations (bokashi-like shading) pulling light across the body; spray flickering into calligraphic dots. Up close: crisp detail and patterned flow. From a step back: a calm, dynamic silhouette in perfect balance.

A richer historical frame

The Meiji period (1868–1912) saw Japan modernise while woodblock artists carried forward the spirit of ukiyo-e. Carp imagery—rooted in East Asian folklore of the fish leaping the Dragon Gate—signified perseverance, transformation, and auspicious fortune. This motif, with its elegant wave geometry, sits at that crossroads of tradition, design, and enduring symbolism.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival, smooth matte ideal for framing under glass. Crisp linework, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

701 × 841 mm (approx. 27.60 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.833 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A0 portrait (841 × 1189 mm) with a custom mat (or custom 700 × 840 mm frame)

• Framing tips:

  • Classic look: cut the mat window to ~697 × 837 mm for a 2–3 mm edge overlap.

  • Contemporary: float-mount within an A0 frame for a generous gallery reveal.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Japanophiles & design lovers drawn to clean lines and symbolic imagery

• Collectors & stylists curating calm, contemplative interiors

• Educators & galleries exploring Meiji-era art and folklore

• Gift-givers marking milestones, new ventures, and housewarmings

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then hand-checked and packed so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Let resilience flow into your space—order your fine-art print of Carp in Waves today.