Japanese Fish and Fishermen

Anonymous

Artwork Brief Description

Heller Garden's koi carp hide in deep ponds, contrasting with a dramatic sculpture: two anglers struggle with an enormous fish. The fish, impaled by a giant hook, writhes in pain, its size fantastical, possibly referencing the "Akugyo" myth. The scene echoes Japanese art, where fishing is both practical and symbolic. Japan's climate and island status fostered fishing, evidenced by ancient harpoon-like hooks. The sculpture captures the tension between man and nature, blending myth and historical fishing practices into a visually striking tableau.

Anonymous

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Japanese Fish and Fishermen

The many ponds of the Heller Garden are filled with beautiful koi carp, whose presence is often unknown as they seek the deep waters that are out of sight. Occasionally a glimpse of their bright orange presence may be reflected in the shimmering surface, but they are quickly hidden beneath all the blooming vegetation. Perhaps smaller than the koi of the garden, and yet far larger than its predators, we see a fish trying to escape its inevitable fate.

Two seasoned anglers wrestle with their gargantuan catch of the day. Proportionally the fish is more than three times their size and yet this does not deter the fishermen. One has used his giant hook to pierce the fish, who writhes around in pain. Despite the size difference and inevitable strength of the fish it appears that there is no turning back for the fishermen, they have committed and must continue to capture their giant fish.

It is a very dramatic scene and both the fish and the fisherman with the hook have their mouths open, seemingly screaming with pain. The sheer size of the fish in relation to the fisherman seems fantastical, as surely a being of this size would appear more like a whale or dolphin? It could also be a reference to “Akugyo” a Japanese mythological creature, known as a monstrous fish that was known to capsize ships and cause havoc with sailors, first easting them and then drowning their entire crew.

Tableaus such as this are often depicted in Japanese art, as the moderate climate of Japan creates a lot of freshwater environments in which people can fish. Not only that, but as an island surrounded by sea, fishing is essential, not only for sustenance but it also serves as a symbol of spirituality and tradition within Japanese culture. Fishing is deeply embedded in the country’s history and there is evidence of fishing in Japan from as early as 14000- 300 BC, and it is during this period that the harpoon-like hooks, such as in this sculpture, were used.