Black Carp

c. 1842 · Print

May one see it?

Not receiving at present

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minneapolis, United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 2 days ago
In this state since: Sep 25, 2026
Source: The museum's own collection data

On the map Museum page

About the work

This image of a black carp is from a series that pictures aquatic creatures. The carp, seen from above, seems to be languorously swimming toward the surface. Not only did Kuniyoshi render the fish with great care, he also managed to convey the impression that it is beneath the surface of water. Kuniyoshi's careful attention to detail, one of the defining characteristics of his style, is amply evident in this print.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Particulars

Accession number: P.78.65.55

In the catalog

Prints Woodcut Japanese prints Romanticism Realism 19th century Japan

Sources

Minneapolis Institute of Art: the museum's own open data · fetched 8 days ago
Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain

Meanwhile, in the life of Utagawa Kuniyoshi

The whole life

1841–1843
Tenpo Reforms: actors and courtesans banned
The Tenpo Reforms, meant to ease an economic crisis, curb displays of luxury and officially ban the depiction of courtesans and actors. Kuniyoshi answers with caricature prints and comic pictures (giga) that disguise real actors and courtesans; many allegorically criticize the shogunate — for example a 1843 design of Minamoto no Yorimitsu asleep, haunted by the Earth Spider and his demons — and become popular among a politically dissatisfied public.
by 1842
Joins the top three ukiyo-e masters
By 1842 he holds an honored place among the ukiyo-e masters, counted among its three best artists alongside Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada.
1842
The cat series and prints for housewives
After the ban on theater scenes, actors, geisha and courtesans he makes his “cat” series, prints from an educational series for housewives and children, and portrays national heroes in the series “Tradition, Morality and Decorum”.
1842
Daughter born: Utagawa Yoshi-jo
1843
A warning from the authorities and destroyed blocks
The authorities warn him for making caricatures of the shogun and his chief minister, and his printing blocks are confiscated and destroyed.