This unique mother of pearl carving in frame exhibits intricate mother of pearl design in which a pair of carp jumps out of the water in a dramatic pose. The details of the fish, including scales and fins as well as the foam, are captured in minute detail. It is quite remarkable that the artist could depict the scene in such detail without brush nor pen, but only with mother of pearl pieces.

A favorite subject for arts and crafts in Korea and China, carp symbolize the success in life; this representation comes from a Chinese legend in which the fish became a dragon as soon as it arrived at the head of the Yellow River in spring. In Korea, it is also a symbol of filial piety following a folk tale in which a son searches deep mountain valleys in the middle of winter to catch the fish for his aged mother. Read More

Size: 13.4"W x 13.4"H (34 x 34cm)