Rare Antique Japanese Watercolour Signed & Dated By Liu Qingbo Dated 1943

An absolutely stunning watercolour in the Nihonga style. Signed by the artist and dated 1943. Original watercolours of this pedigree rarely come to market. A fabulous collectors/decorators piece. The artist Liu Qingbo was a renowned part of this art movement whose purpose was to preserve and modernise the elements of traditional Japanese painting. Nihonga is the counterpart to the Western influenced Japanese painting, which is called Yōga. Works in Nihonga style do without depth depictions and shadows. This influence is on the preservation and modernization of classical Japanese art. This works can be assigned to the style of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the flowing world"). These works reflect the world view and the attitude to life of the urban bourgeoisie. Typical motifs are animal and plant depictions. In traditional culture, the koi fish represents strength, perseverance and bravery. According to legend, koi fish swam up the Yellow River in China and those who made it upstream and past the Dragon's Gate waterfall were rewarded for their tenacity by being transformed into dragons. Koi fish have intrigued and inspired for centuries. They have been called “living jewels” and “swimming flowers” for their physical beauty. They are also rich with symbolic significance, especially in Asian cultures. The name “koi” is Japanese, but it is believed these large carp have origins in Eastern Asia, Persia and China.  

This watercolour has it all and is beautiful in all aspects. The carp jumping towards the distant sun, have real movement and the application and painting of this work of art are exceptional. A one of a kind/one off.

55cm x 80cm

As a genuine antique/vintage item there is wear and use commensurate with age. Some wooden products may have signs of historic woodworm. As a precaution we apply a clear triple action woodworm treatment that also kills wet rot, dry rot and woodworm. Please look at all the images carefully and ask any questions pre purchase as we do not unfortunately offer refunds due to the size and shipping costs of our antiques/items.  All our items are available on line at Search & Rescued and other online stores.