Ken Matsubara Japanese, 1948
"Tōryū" Soaring Dragon 登龍, 2023
Painting
H61 3/8 x W15 x D1 5/8 in
H156 x W38 x D4 cm
H156 x W38 x D4 cm
A27143
Commemorating the 2024 dragon zodiac, Ken Matsubara’s Soaring Dragon bears homage to the great 18th century ink painting ‘Carp’ by Maruyama Okyo. Whereas Okyo’s carp attempts to mount a gushing waterfall, Matsubara’s rendition has seen the fish cross the legendary ‘Dragon’s Gate,’ succeeding in transforming from the lowly carp into the mighty dragon after 300 years of struggle.