1857, Utagawa Hiroshige, Suido Bridge and Surugadai -- British Museum (London)
From the museum label: An enormous black carp appears to leap into the air high above the samurai neighbourhood of Surugadai in Edo. In popular East Asian belief, if a carp reaches the top of a waterfall it turns into a dragon, symbolising hard work leading to success. People in Edo displayed koi-nobori (carp banners) like this during the Boys' Day Festival (5th day of the 5th month, now called Children's Day).
1857, Utagawa Hiroshige, Suido Bridge and Surugadai -- British Museum (London)
From the museum label: An enormous black carp appears to leap into the air high above the samurai neighbourhood of Surugadai in Edo. In popular East Asian belief, if a carp reaches the top of a waterfall it turns into a dragon, symbolising hard work leading to success. People in Edo displayed koi-nobori (carp banners) like this during the Boys' Day Festival (5th day of the 5th month, now called Children's Day).