They appeared happy and relaxed as they glided through the clear, sunlit water. These koi carp were spotted in the front pond of a museum I visited during my trip to central Taiwan earlier this year.
Koi carp hold a special place in Asian culture, revered not merely for their beauty but also for their symbolic significance. Originating from Japan and China, they are often associated with perseverance, strength, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities drawn from an old legend about koi swimming upstream against powerful currents to transform into dragons. Their vibrant colours—ranging from pure white to deep crimson, gold, and black—represent various virtues such as love, prosperity, and success.
In temple gardens, courtyards, and museum ponds alike, koi are kept as living works of art, embodying a serene balance between nature and human cultivation. Watching them move gracefully beneath the water’s surface evokes a sense of calm and continuity—an ancient symbol of harmony still treasured in the modern world.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Saturday Critter
Koi carp are such special fish and very responsive. Beautiful, too.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that koi are kept as living works of art.
ReplyDeleteIt is always fun to watch Koi swim in a happy pond where they can grow to amazing sizes.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about this legend; I love it!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing the details about the legend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photograph of the Koi Carp.
All the best Jan
I don't like killing cows and sheep etc to eat, but I am not a vegetarian. Fish is our main source of protein, and eggs. So I must apologise immediately to the koi carp .. you are too precious to be shoved into peoples' mouths.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting regarding the carp.
ReplyDeleteI love watching them-- They clear my mind.
ReplyDeleteGràcies per introduir-nos en aquesta cultura, on es respira pau i serenitat!
ReplyDeleteSalutacions, James.
Good to know although I sometimes been admonished not to be coy.
ReplyDeleteThey sure are colorful. Nice shot!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThe koi are pretty fish, I like seeing them in garden ponds. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
I didn't know the legend either but I like it.
ReplyDeleteLovely fish :-D
ReplyDeleteEstas carpas no se parecen mucho a las que tenemos aquí, ya que las nuestras son menos coloridas.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
It's been a long time since I've seen seen a koi fish.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful photo! The clear water really shows off the Koi's vibrant colors.
ReplyDelete