Gift Cover (Fukusa) with Carp in Waves

The motif of carp in rough water came from China, where ‘the carp jumping over the Dragon Gate’ stood for success in life: a carp that could swim up the steep gorge of the Dragon Gate on the Yellow River was said to turn into a dragon and fly into the sky. In Meiji-period Japan (1868–1912) an embroidered gift cover (fukusa) like this one, worked in silk and metallic thread, would have been a fitting way to celebrate the recipient’s achievements.

Printed on 200 gsm museum-quality matte paper from the museum’s high-resolution open-access image, with a white border so nothing of the original is cropped. Available from A4 up to 70 × 100 cm, or as a digital download to print yourself.

See it at the museum

Prints are made to order in the EU and ship in 2–5 working days, free to every EU country. Digital downloads are available immediately after payment from your order confirmation and your account. Delivery details.

Unused prints can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Digital downloads cannot be returned once downloaded, but faulty files are always replaced. Returns.