Bronze Japanese Koro in the form of a Carp with the philosopher Kinko

An outstanding Japanese bronze Koro with the cover modelled as Kinko reading from a scroll. It is a large and heavy bronze in the style of Artsuyoshi (1813-1891).

There is a small chip where the back of the cover meets the carp but not noticeable. There is also a firing crack on the right hand side of Kinko’s robe. Again this isn’t an issue but one which we have to point out.

This beautiful bronze exudes peace and tranquility. It is heavy and substantial and weighs 4kg.
Circa 1850.

Kinko lived beside a river and was a philosopher and painter of fish.
One day a giant carp offered to take him for a ride into the realm of the immortals. He returned after a month, telling his followers never to kill another fish. He then jumped into the river, where he was transformed into a carp himself.

Kinko is presented reading a Taoist scroll while riding on the back of the magical fish.