Kakemono Goldfish Painting Japan

Kakemono or hanging scroll of goldfish, excellent painting on silk. From the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Goldfish are believed to have arrived in Japan around 500 years ago. Goldfish were produced in China through the selective breeding of "common goldfish", red variants of the crucian carp. At the beginning of the 16th century, these goldfish were imported to Japan, to the Kansai and Kyushu regions. For a long time, having goldfish was a luxury that only wealthy merchants and feudal lords could afford. The red color of the goldfish was thought to repel evil and its golden color symbolized the accumulation of wealth. This is why goldfish were considered lucky animals. In the 18th century, Japan experienced a strong craze for goldfish and many people owned them. Many goldfish have become pets and gained popularity among the general public.