Late 19th century
Panel with Leaping Koi
Sato ShikanosukeJapanese
According to legend, koi, a type of Japanese carp, make the treacherous journey each year to the Dragon’s Gate, where only one out of millions has the bravery and dedication to leap over the towering barrier to reach the other side in order to transform into a dragon. For this reason, koi are seen as the embodiment of courage and perseverance in Japan. During the Edo period (1615–1868), the koi often adorned the roof ridges of imposing buildings, evoking their mythical powers to control the climate and bring rainfall as protection against fire.
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