Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish [Paperback]

Kanoko Okamoto (Author), Kazuya Takaoka (Author), Sachiko Kuru (Author), J. Keith Vincent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2004

DISCOVER THE CULT OF THE GOLDFISH THROUGH JAPANESE ART, DESIGN AND LITERATURE

Goldfish were originally brought to Japan from China in 1502, to be raised exclusively by aristocrats as highly prized pets. In the 1800s, however, they became popular among the general public, and ultimately a unique culture of breeders, collectors, and connoisseurs came into being. Packed with photographs, Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish offers a delightful visual tour of goldfish in Japanese art and design, together with a description of the goldfish breeds that have developed in Japan over hundreds of years of meticulous cultivation.

Included in the volume is a novella written in the 1930s titled A Riot of Goldfish which tells of the impossible love of a breeder's son for the daughter of a wealthy patron. As his love grows into an obsession, he attempts to create a goldfish that will capture and reflect her beauty. The story charmingly evokes life in Japan in the early twentieth century and sheds light on the aesthetics of goldfish appreciation.

The stunning visual materials presented here reveal the vast iconography of goldfish in the graphic and decorative arts of Japan, extending to textiles, ceramics, paintings, lacquer ware, toys, and even household items. This book will be an inspiration for designers, collectors, and anyone interested in Japanese art.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The fantastical Japanese goldfish gets a fitting homage in this thick, sumptuous gift book. First imported from China at the beginning of the 16th century, goldfish were kept and bred only by the aristocracy for some 300 years; in the 19th century, enthusiasm for goldfish swept through the rest of the country. In Kuru's vivid photographs, brilliant orange fish glow against pure white background, revealing strange, tumorous heads, bulging eyes or fins as delicate and diaphanous as silk scarves. Interspersed with photographs of shubunkin and ranchu are their images in art—on ceramic bowls, wooden buckets and delicate china plates, in textiles and watercolor paintings. Designer Takaoka gives some of the pages bright, geometric borders but otherwise keeps the layout spare and clean. Factual text is minimal—a short section in the back describes different breeds, but offers neither history of the hobby nor analysis of goldfish iconography—but Okamoto's novella, "A Riot of Goldfish," offers a complementary fiction, in which a confrontational young boy turns into a misanthropic, prematurely aged man as he tries to breed a goldfish that will remind him of the beautiful "inhuman siren" he loves. The audience for this gorgeous book may not be large, but it will no doubt be appreciative.
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Review

"In this gem of a picture book, life imitates still life. Icons of gold, burnt orange, black and calico blossom on page after page of photos, artifacts and paintings. Wrapped in the juicy center is a lusty novella by Kanoko Okamoto in which goldfish breeder Mataichi pines for his unattainable Masako....A dip into this exquisite volume is sure to distract readers from their own priorities" -USA Today

"It makes you want to raise a few yourself." -Washington Post

"Stunningly designed, Kingyo guides American readers through the cult of goldfish breeders and collectors, and the iconic fish's impact on Japanese culture." -Time Out New York

"A marvelously visual treat, Kingyo is a wonderful gift you might not want to give away." -Art Times

"...an exquisite book that introduces us to a dazzling display of the Japanese cult of goldfish in art, design, photographs by Sachikko Kuru, and you have a visual delight in your hands." -THE Magazine

"An exquisite display of the fascinating Japanese cult of goldfish... Kingyo is the ultimate gift book for the season." -Museum Store Magazine

"This book compiles examples of goldfish beauty shots (yes, such a thing exists), paintings, and prints." -Dwell Magazine

"The fantastical Japanese goldfish gets a fitting homage in this thick, sumptuous gift book... the audience for this gorgeous book may not be large, but it will not doubt be appreciative."
-Publishers Weekly

"Utilizing Kanoko Okamoto's 1937 work 'A Riot of Fish'as backdrop, this work chronicles the pervasive use of goldfish in Japanese art." -Fore Word Magazine

"A goldfish lovers dream, Kingyo: the Artistry of the Japanese Goldfish is an amazing addition to anyone's book collection... you can't call your library complete without this book tucked away on your shelf." -Water Gardening Magazine

"While Kingyo: the Artistry of the Japanese Goldfish is sure to be an eye-opening introduction for Westerners to the unique culture that has grown up around the goldfish in Japan, the stunning photographs and charming collection of lore will also delight those already initiated into this 'ult'." -The Goldfish Report

"The fascinating microcosm of Japanese goldfish... Kingyo: the Artistry of the Japanese Goldfish nestles a delicate and classic novella ("A Riot of Goldfish" by Kanoko Okamoto) amid beautiful pages featuring goldfish of amazing varieties of colors and presentation. Whether in a bowl, in a pond, as statuary or lacquer or photoshopped into an environment-free existence, the multiple permutations of these fish make it easy to understand that the Japanese have a bit of an obsession with these fish." -Orlando Weekly

"There's a little bit of everything in this elegant, surprising book... Reader will marvel at the variety of coloers, and yes, even shapes, of the many different breeds depicted in Kingyo...Kingyo is sure to fascinate both aquarium aficionados and readers with an interest in things Asian." -Book Page

"...striking collection of artistic reproductions and photographs of exotic fish and also includes a 1930s novella by Kanoko Okamoto about a lover's effort to create a goldfish to imitate his beloved's beauty." -Sunday Sun Times

"The prize for sumptuous design, as well as originality, goes to a soft cover effort between dazzling white covers. [the book] is one of those curiosity pieces that can only be pulled off in book form, No web site could replicate the fascination, and satisfaction, of flipping through these near 400 graphically bold evocations of resplendent breeds of fish, in paintings and photos....Kingyo is more beautiful than owning an aquarium, and a lot less work." -Asian Wall Street Journal

"Just looking at the cover of this book will make you a little happier... It's a delightful visual romp that captures Japan's love affair with the entertaining goldfish." -Asian Week

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha USA (September 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770023030
• ISBN-13: 978-4770023032
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,074,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A visual riot of goldfish, December 14, 2004

By 

Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish (Paperback)

When it comes to artistic and exotic Japanese fish, for most people Koi is the first thing to spring to mind, if anything. A Japanese garden would not seem complete without a few of those large, gold beauties swimming elegantly under a moon-curved bridge. Some might be reminded of the Betta, often called a Japanese Fighting Fish (Or a Chinese Fighting Fish, or a Siamese Fighting Fish, or any-other-Asian-country Fighting Fish...) Rarely would one think of a goldfish.

Goldfish (Kingyo, in Japanese) are as much of an element of Japanese art as koi, cranes, cherry blossoms and white-faced courtesans. Like these, they are appreciated both for their natural beauty as well as their representational picturation. "Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish" explores both of these sides, showcasing the many wonders of the long tradition of goldfish breeding as well as the influence of goldfish design in all aspects of Japanese art, be they ceramics, Ukiyo-e prints, kimonos, children's toys or sword guards.

The photographs of the fish themselves are simply gorgeous. Set against a stark white background, all of the varieties of these highly-cultured living art-objects can be admired, from the calico ryukins to the bizarre suihogan with their giant bubble-like cheek pockets. Some breeds are more easily-appreciated than others, but all of these magnificent photographs show what they have to offer to full advantage. Rather than encumber these images with text, the information of the many breeds is bundled together near the rear of the book.

Along with the actual fish, there is a gallery of pretty much every conceivable type of Japanese art, emblazoned with goldfish. Fine ceramic dishes with subtle patterns, bright and inviting kimonos making the most of the golden color, carrying cases for tobacco and medicine, metal work such as sword guards and silver hairpins; there is clearly not an aspect of art that has remained untouched by these little swimmers. My personal favorites is the collection of Ukiyo-e prints, showing the people of Japan, high and low, enjoying the artistry of Japanese goldfish, from children scooping at them during fairs (an activity still popular in Japan today) to the moneyed classes displaying their latest acquisitions and exotic breeds.

In addition to this, there is a 63-page novella, "A Riot of Goldfish," translated from Japanese and showing the goldfish's influence and writing as well. The story is a fascinating tale of obsession, both in love and in attempting to breed the perfect goldfish. Matachi, the young goldfish breeder is swallowed whole by his art, as he attempts to express his love for the unattainable Masako, using living creatures as his medium. It is an unexpected and welcome addition to what is otherwise a picture book.

I really enjoyed "Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish," much more so than I thought I would before I first picked it up. It made me a convert to the beauty of goldfish.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful photos and art, March 8, 2007

By 

SHadey (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish (Paperback)

As a huge fan of fancy goldfish, I was pleased with this book. The cover and interior are lovely, with hundreds of photographs and art samples.

However, the book would be MUCH better if it was larger. As it is, the photographs are often stuck in the spine of the book, difficult to see.

5.0 out of 5 stars End of the story..., December 9, 2011

By 

Reachforstars - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish (Paperback)

I absolutely love this book. I originally found this book at a library, borrowed it, renewed it at least 4 times, and I bought it so I CAN KEEP IT FOREVER.
Amazing book, it's like Playboy magazine or food network magazine for me.. makes my eyes delighted (: