Customer Reviews

Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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 (:

This is really a special book, though not containing any useful information really except at the very back; just photos, prints, and graphic art...and a story in the middle of the book. The story, called A Riot of Goldfish, is both beautiful and bizarre at the same time, and not to be missed. Many of the photos are printed across both pages, which is somewhat annoying at first, but the binding on this book is really strong (stitched) so don't be afraid to really reef on it and open it up so you can see the beautiful pictures. I took one star off, because I don't think that some of the more modern graphic art touchs were always successful, though they are not over-done anyway. Overall, this book is really nice.

I love goldfish.This book loves goldfish.It is such a strange book,that it may be a hard sell.It is not a book on goldfish,it is about a love of this fish.You will see Japanese children holding their pet fish,in a bowl,smiling down at their fish,as the fish seems to be aware of it's owner,and looks upwards.You will see bowls in ceramic with goldfish painted inside.You will see paintings, kimonos,and sculptures of goldfish-a ton of visual information about other people's love for this tiny creature.It is really an art book,and very,very beautiful to look at.
I think what i like most about this publication,next to it's topic,is it's artistry in design.It is a very odd book,very special,and likely to be ignored here in the west.
Unless, of course,you love goldfish,and trust in my reveiw enough to buy it.

Every page contains a visual feast, it's a history of the art/love for fancy's from those that are continuing the tradition.
A bonus of a short story again giving the meaning of fancy's in their lifes.
No care/health/tank maintaining ect. facts pick one of the dozens out.

but not a book to learn about goldfish. A nice gift book for someone who has goldfish though.