Koi-nobori again

[markgardner]

The Koi-nobori have started to appear around Ojiya and Yamakoshi, see more at The Yamakoshi Year

[Ian_&_Terri]

Mark, your nephew is adorable Enjoyed the read of your travels, wonderful photo's.

We were gifted two Koi-nobori from a visitor last summer, one for each of our boys. Thanks for the reminder, should pull them out and get them hung. Our snow is beginning to melt here - finally!!

Kind Regards,
Terri

[JasPR]

Interesting to see how the Japanese artist who designed and dyed those socks sees the 'goi' as opposed to collectors idea of koi. - JR

[Eugeneg]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasPR Interesting to see how the Japanese artist who designed and dyed those socks sees the 'goi' as opposed to collectors idea of koi. - JR

I think that the Japanese addapt to fantassy or modern art very readily . There were quite a few that I observed watching animation for the duration of a 12hr flight .
Regards
Eugene

[JasPR]

True I guess. But the symbol of the goi sock has a rich and long history. And although we think of it as a tribute to our pets it is really much more. So it is not exactly about nishikigoi in the end.

- JR

[Eugeneg]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasPR True I guess. But the symbol of the goi sock has a rich and long history. And although we think of it as a tribute to our pets it is really much more. So it is not exactly about nishikigoi in the end. - JR

I thought that the goi sock came before koi and was flown to celebrate the birth of a son
Regards
Eugene

[markgardner]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ian_&_Terri Mark, your nephew is adorable Enjoyed the read of your travels, wonderful photo's. We were gifted two Koi-nobori from a visitor last summer, one for each of our boys. Thanks for the reminder, should pull them out and get them hung. Our snow is beginning to melt here - finally!! Kind Regards, Terri

Hi Terri

Yes, you're right, he is adorable and one of the hardest wrenches for coming and spending an extended period away from home where I would see him several times each week, along with the fact his brother was born just hours before I was due to leave for Japan so I've seen him a few brief moments.

I'm glad you enjoyed the read and pics.

Thanks

Mark

[markgardner]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasPR Interesting to see how the Japanese artist who designed and dyed those socks sees the 'goi' as opposed to collectors idea of koi. - JR

'Nobori' seem to have taken on a new commercial interest here in Japan. They come with all manner of cartoon characters etc. on them.

The only ones i've ever seen designed to replicate Nishikigoi were at Narita's.

[JasPR]

well , like our American flag or baseball pennants, the nobori has meaning upon meaning as you go back into Japanese history.

The symbolism is twofold, one is the meaning of the banner and the other the symbol of the carp. And of course, the carp becomes the banner in nobori.

The history itself jumps back in history to pivotal historical and cultural events.
Moving back in time it goes like this :

modern boys day
political revolution and the rise of the peasent class ( trade banners)
old boys day ( when a samurai class boy was acknowledged to become of age)
The origional meaning of clan banners. Spears with colors and symbols on them.
The celebration of victory under banners of clans and victory parties ( carp as the meal of celebration)
The victory over the mongels and the call to arms by the many banners that united Japan.

[KoiCop]

Thanks for that, JR. I've attached a color version so folks can appreciate the beauty of this ukiyo-e (woodblock print).

Plate #63 in Hiroshige's masterwork The Hundred Famous Views of Yedo, the print is entitled Suido Bashi, Surugadai. Basil Stewart describes it thusly:

"Suruga-dai (a suburb of Yedo) from Suido Bridge," on the Boys' Festival (May 5th), and a great paper carp floating from a pole in foreground. Below is the river and bridge, and the roofs of Suruga-dai ; Fuji (grey with streaks of snow on its cone) rising in distance against a crimson sky, changing to pale blue-grey and purple at top. Over the distant roofs float other paper carps and various banners. (Dated "Snake ' intercalary' five" = intercalary fifth month (i.e. May), 1857.)