February Bubble Painting

The original painting for the November edition of Mariposa Mail Club. 

This painting is inspired by the Koi fish.

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Koi fish are colorful, ornamental versions of the common carp. Though carp domestication is believed to have begun in China as far back as the 4th century, modern Japanese koi are believed to date back to early 19th-century Japan where wild, colorful carp were caught, kept and bred by rice farmers. There are now dozens of different color varieties of koi. They can grow up to 3 feet (90 centimeter) in length and are native to the fresh bodies of water around the Black, Caspian and Aral Seas.

These fish are commonly kept as an ornamental fish in outdoor ponds or garden water features. They have a rich history in Asian culture dating back thousands of years. Koi fish can live between 25–50 years on average when provided with the correct environmental conditions. However, here has been reports of koi living to 100–200 years! They are quite expensive fish to keep as pets due to their specific habitat and care restrictions.

In the 1600s, carp was farmed in Chinese rice paddies as a food source, a practice that traveled to Japan. The Japanese noticed odd color variations in some of the carp and bred them, creating a rainbow spectrum of koi species. Koi were prized by royalty; by the 1900s, koi were being bred in Europe, England, and the US. Koi are culturally significant and represent love and friendship in Japan.

My fiancé convinced me to highlight the Japanese Koi Fish because of Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary. I have always loved Koi fish, so it did not take too much convincing!

It is speculated that the Magikarp pokémon is based on the Japanese Koi fish. This pokémon can evolve into water-dragon Gyarados. This evolution mirrors an ancient Chinese legend. that describes a carp attempting to ascend the treacherous rapids of the Yellow River and if it succeeds in its aquatic trek by implementing innate qualities of strength and perseverance, the tiny creature morphs into a fabulous dragon. Through the following centuries the myth crossed to Japan where Koi fish became a heroic symbol. 

Even if Magikarp is despised for being pathetically weak, that little Pokémon reminds us in our deepest of thoughts that it takes only a bit of willpower, time, and perseverance to transform an individual into something marvelous.

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12 in. x 8 in.

Frame not included. 

Only 1 Available.

Painting shipped through USPS.