Ornament - Wood, Hinoki cypress - Stained hinoki cypres ornament with a double sided finely carved design of a koi, waves and clouds - Japan - Late Meiji period / Early Taishô period

Double sided Stained hinoki cypres ornament with a finely carved decor of a koi 鯉 (carper) swimming vigorously upstream, surrounded by stylized river streams and waves. On the back of the wooden ornament the same carvings of the stream is visible but is at the upeer point ephasized by a cloud design. In good condition, some wear to the staining, but this adds to the authentic feeling. Since this piece is already about 120 years old. In Japan, the koi is a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune, and also of perseverance in the face of adversity. Ornamental koi are symbolic of Japanese culture and are closely associated with the country's national identity. (From Wikipedia)