The History of Koi Fish & Koi Fish Art

What is a Koi Fish?

• Koi are actually a mutated form of carp.

• Carp developed patches of colors such as white, red, and blue in their natural habitats in the Black, Caspian, and Aral seas in Asia.

CHINA: BIRTHPLACE OF THE KOI FISH

China is the true beginning of Koi fish.

• According to Chinese history, Confucius’s son was given a mutated carp by king Shoko of Ro and from then on the fish became the subject of much Chinese artwork.

How did the Koi Fish make their way to Japan?

• When the Chinese invaded Japan, these carp were bred as a food source due to their resilient nature, this was the beginning of the Japanese Koi fish.

• When the Koi fish was presented to the Japanese, they saw their great potential and began breeding them to bring out their beautiful colors, something the Chinese never thought of.

Both China & Japan use Koi Fish or Carp in many of their traditional artwork.

Chinese Carp Art

• China is the ancestral home of carp art, and where koi and traditional Japanese carp art draws much of its inspiration. 

• To the Chinese people, the carp is a symbol of perseverance, strength, and endurance.

• In many Chinese folktales, the carp is considered an incarnation of the dragon that brings happiness and wealth to those whose path it crosses.

Some of the most common Chinese carp art styles include:

• Yin-yang carp (with a black and red carp forming the two sides of the yin-yang symbol).

• Carp swimming among lotus flowers (a sacred Buddhist symbol that represents mental harmony).

• And a group of nine carp (with nine being considered a lucky number by the Chinese) swimming together.

Japanese Koi Art

• Japan is the one country from where koi art has spread around the world.

• In Japan, the carp represents good luck and good fortune.

• Also, the word 'koi' (鯉) is pronounced the same as another word ('恋') meaning love and affection. 

Modern-Day Koi Art

• The popularity of koi art has exploded across the world in recent decades.

• The orange and white koi that most Westerners know has been depicted in pictures, paintings, posters, computer screensavers, mousepads, and more.

• Koi fish tattoo designs have become popular all around the world & many people get very elaborate and beautiful koi tattoo designs.

Now it's your turn!!! Today we will start our very own koi fish art piece!

• First, you need to research & think...

• ​Where on your canvas will you be placing your koi fish?

• What color(s) will your koi fish be?

• What background foliage will you be drawing? Or are you doing ocean waves like the Japanese style?

• Let's refresh our memory on some traditional options.

• Take notes on your desk to jot your ideas down.

Yin yang carp

The koi fish are painted with black and red.

They are placed to form the two sides of the yin yang symbol).

Carp swimming among lotus flowers

This is a sacred Buddhist symbol that represents mental harmony.

This picture features more of a Japanese style of Koi art.

Did you make a decision on your design...

Now I am going to pass out your white construction paper.

You will only get 1 piece!!!

Use a light hand and a pencil.

We will watch a directed draw.

I will pause the video as we need to draw each piece.