Menuki with pattern of a carp in the waves

Menuki Omote: Length 55.5mm, Width 12mm, height 4mm

Menuki Ura: Length 57mm, Width 12.5mm, height 3.5mm

Koi, the Japanese carp is the emblematic fish of Japan.
The Kanji Koi 鯉 is the homophone of the kanji Koi 恋 which means 'love' (romantic).

It is an animal that has many meanings, such as courage, bravery and love. It is a symbol of luck, prosperity and perseverance in the face of adversity.

A legend would have it that on the 3rd moon of the year, the carp go up the Yellow River, braving the strong current and all dangers, such as predators and fishermen. The strongest and most daring ones who reach the top of the violent waterfalls transform into dragons with magnificent golden scales.

With the symbolism mentioned above, the Koi carp has become the emblem of the boys festival, 'Kodomo No hi', celebrated every May 5th. On this occasion, banners with windsocks in the shape of carp, the 'Koi Nobori', are seen rising all over Japan.