Other Media on paper, ready to hang.

Signed on the front.

This artwork comes with an external frame

Koinobori is a streamer made with carp hanging on it. It is specifically made to celebrate a traditional festival. As part of my exhibition of Japanese Icons, Old and New, this is the subset of Festivals - Old. Held on May 5th, this children’s festival is a day for families to celebrate their childrens’ strength and character, and to bestow courage, determination good health and fortune on their futures. Traditionally this was just for celebrating the boys in families and many Japanese families still only honour boys on this day.
Families raise the koinobori, which are carp-shaped flags. The flags are shaped like carp because "the Japanese consider it the most spirited fish -- so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. These are the traits desired in boys.
One carp flag is hung out for each boy in the house and remain displayed from April to early May.
Work is all made from layers of paper including Japanese Washi paper cut in shapes to reveal the design.