Kumonryu Koi

"Kumonryu Koi" is a sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting) in my series of minimalist zen artworks. I used traditional soot ink and powerful brush strokes, as I do in all my paintings, in order to create a lasting visual impression. Art buyers and art lovers often remark on my interpretation of traditional Asian masters as I pay homage to their artistic vision but have a contemporary modern twist in my own art.

This original artwork is for sale, and is an original sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting) by professional Artist Brazen Edwards measuring approximately 12" x 8.5" (30.48cm x 21.59cm) on 140lb Arches watercolour paper.

Kumonryu are midnight black colored fish that are named after a Japanese dragon of transformation. This fish is said to bring about change in life circumstances. In Japanese, "koi" is another word that means "affection" or "love" so they are a symbol of love and friendship in Japan.

I love Koi because they are so beautiful. For centuries, the beauty of the Koi has made these remarkable fish the subject of all types of artwork. One legend depicts how a Koi climbed up the falls on the Yellow River at a point called Dragon Gate and was transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend the Koi became a symbol of perseverance, tenacity, ambition, aspiration and advancement. Another remarkable thing about the Koi is that when it is caught, it would lie still on the chopping board without struggling or flapping around. This led to the Koi being a symbol of courage, composure, peace and tranquility under pressure.

This painting is unmatted and unframed, allowing the buyer to choose based on their personal taste, style, and decor.
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What is Sumi-e?

Sumi-e is a graceful, contemplative form of painting, enjoyable both to view and to create. It €™s a style of painting that is characteristically Asian, as it has been practiced for well over a thousand years. Sumi-e may be regarded as the earliest form of expressionistic art that captures the unseen.

Sumi-e literally means €œink painting €? and is an art form that strives to convey the qi (variously, 'chi') which is the essence or spirit of the subject, object or scene in the fewest possible strokes. Once a stroke is painted, it cannot be changed or erased. This makes ink and wash painting a technically demanding art-form requiring great skill, concentration, and years of training.

Thanks for looking.
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