A Massively Long--10 Feet, 3.2 m-- Old Paper Koi Nobori: Hand Painted

late nineteenth, early twentieth century 126" x 44", 320 cm x 114 cm This beautifully fashioned, hand painted, paper koinobori or carp flag is extremely large, so large that it was not able to photographed entirely on a wall: its tail is bent and resting on the ground. It is beautifully constructed with its fins attached in a way that they will flutter in the breeze when it is flown outside a home. The scales, in particular, with their gradient tones, evoke those of a real carp: the painting of this koinobori is particularly strong and decisive. Its intensely painted eye also adds to a kind of life like presence. Flags such as these were first flown on boy's day, a celebration that has since been changed to include all children and it is celebrated on May 5th of each year. Originally these carp images were flown outside the home with the largest carp representing the father of the household and each other son in the house was represented by a smaller carp according to their place in the family. This one shows some patching, shown, which is charming because we know this piece was displayed in front of someone's home, the historical photo attached here illustrates the way these banners were flown. It is beautiful and with its hand painted details--and massive length--make for a stunning display. Recommended.