In Japan, the motif, “a carp climbing up a waterfall”, has been favored from ancient times as it represents a boy’s success in life. Until the late Shōwa era, only black carps had been painted in many cases. However recently, in more and more paintings, colored carps are seen leaping together with black ones. A set of a black carp and a colored one is considered to be a couple.

In this work, a couple of carps climbing up a raging waterfall are depicted by Miyake Eisai using vivid colors. The delicate portrayal of water splashes makes the work seem dynamic. The maple tree painted on the right side of the canvas in fresh green color gives a cool impression to the work and makes it comfortable to appreciate the work. The powerful life force of the carp can be perceived in this work.