About this artwork
A powerful carp twists upward through the centre of the composition, body arched, fins spread and mouth open as it climbs. Its scales are drawn one by one in bronze and olive, outlined in dark ink-like lines. Beside it, a waterfall pours from a dark rock ledge at the top right in streaks of blue and white.
At the base, indigo waves curl and break into white, claw-shaped foam, sending spray up around the fish. The background is a warm wash of ochre fading into coral, which makes the blues of the water and the gold of the carp stand out. This is the most energetic design in the collection, full of upward movement. As koi waterfall art, it reads as a clear image of effort, ambition and breaking through.
The Legend of the Rising Carp
An old Chinese legend tells of a carp that swam upstream and leapt the falls known as the Dragon Gate, turning into a dragon as its reward. In Japan the image is called koi no takinobori, the carp climbing the waterfall, and it stands for perseverance and success through effort. The same idea lies behind koinobori, the carp-shaped streamers flown for Children's Day on 5 May, which express the hope that children grow up strong.
How to style it
A strong choice for home offices, studies, teenagers' rooms and feature walls, especially with navy, rust or natural wood. Pairs with the dragon or great wave designs for a bold, energetic group. Explore the full Japandi Wall Art collection.
Choose your format
- Unframed Art Print on 250 gsm archival matte fine-art paper with a soft off-white tone. Ideal if you already have a frame.
- Natural Wood Frame with shatterproof acrylic glazing. Arrives assembled, ready to hang.
- Black Metal Frame, a slim matte-black aluminium frame with shatterproof acrylic glazing. Arrives assembled, ready to hang.
- Aluminium Print, printed directly onto a rigid 3 mm aluminium panel for a sleek, frameless look.
- Wood Print, printed directly onto a 2 cm wood panel for a warm, natural, gallery feel.
Sizes
Seven portrait sizes from 20 × 30 cm (8 × 12 in) to 50 × 70 cm (20 × 28 in). Not sure which one? Read our size guide.
Shipping
Free tracked shipping to most countries. Every print is made to order and produced close to you, in more than 30 countries across Europe, the UK, North America and Australia, which means shorter journeys and fewer surprises at the door. See shipping & returns.
Questions & answers
What does a carp climbing a waterfall symbolise?
It symbolises perseverance, ambition and success through hard work. In the legend, the carp that climbs the waterfall becomes a dragon, so the image is often given to students, graduates and anyone starting a new venture.
Is the fish in this print a koi?
It is a carp, the species from which koi were bred. Its bronze colouring reflects the wild river carp of the legend rather than a patterned pond koi.
Is a frame included?
Only if you choose a framed format. The Natural Wood Frame and Black Metal Frame options arrive assembled with acrylic glazing and are ready to hang. The Unframed Art Print arrives without a frame, and the Aluminium and Wood Prints need no frame at all.
Which size should I choose?
As a rule of thumb, choose art about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it. 50 × 70 cm makes a statement above a sofa or bed, 30 × 40 cm suits shelves, desks and gallery walls. Our size guide shows every size to scale.
How is my print made and shipped?
Each print is made to order for you, then shipped with tracking from a production partner close to your address. You receive the tracking link by email as soon as your order leaves production.
Specifications
| Format | Unframed Art Print, Natural Wood Frame, Black Metal Frame, Aluminium Print, Wood Print |
| Print Size | 20 × 30 cm / 8 × 12 in, 30 × 40 cm / 12 × 16 in, 30 × 45 cm / 12 × 18 in, 40 × 50 cm / 16 × 20 in, 40 × 60 cm / 16 × 24 in, 45 × 60 cm / 18 × 24 in, 50 × 70 cm / 20 × 28 in |
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