**AI Visualisation Notice** This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original unedited photographs for the actual condition, colors, proportions and details of the item. **Artwork Description** An elegant original Japanese Nihonga painting by Ryuichi Ota (太田龍一, 1915–1994), an accomplished Japanese painter particularly renowned for his depictions of koi carp. Titled "双鯉" (Sōri – Two Koi Carp), this beautiful hand-painted work depicts two gracefully swimming carp, one in brilliant golden yellow and the other in subtle dark grey and bronze tones. The composition is distinguished by its refined use of gold leaf and gold pigment, creating a rich, luminous background that beautifully complements the fish. Each carp is rendered with carefully detailed scales, delicate fins and subtle tonal gradations, demonstrating the artist's accomplished technique and sensitivity to natural forms. The harmonious contrast between the golden and darker carp creates a balanced and visually striking composition. In Japanese culture, koi carp symbolize perseverance, prosperity, good fortune and success. Their association with the legendary carp ascending the Dragon Gate gives them particular significance as symbols of determination and achievement. The painting is presented in an elegant gold-toned frame with a decorative fabric mat, complementing its traditional Japanese aesthetic. **About the Artist – Ryuichi Ota (太田龍一)** Ryuichi Ota (1915–1994) was a Japanese Nihonga painter born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He studied under Suisho Nishiyama (西山翠嶂) in Kyoto and later under Shizen Shimatani (嶋谷自然). Ota established a distinguished career through exhibitions and recognition in the Japanese art world. Selected achievements include: 1936 – Honorable recognition at the Tokai Art Exhibition 1939 – Association Award at the Tokai Art Exhibition 1950 – First selection for the prestigious Nitten Exhibition 1951 – Hakujusho Prize at the Nitten Exhibition 1958 – Chunichi Prize He continued exhibiting at Nitten and was particularly recognized for landscape paintings and his accomplished depictions of koi carp. His artistic achievements are documented by the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, which holds a collection of his paintings, including works dating from 1973 and around 1982. The present painting represents one of the subjects for which the artist was particularly well known. **Signature and Supporting Documentation** The painting bears a gold-colored artist's signature and seal at the lower left. An accompanying Japanese artist-identification label (tomo-label) bears the handwritten title "双鯉" (Two Koi Carp), the artist's name "太田龍一" (Ryuichi Ota), and a red seal. This label provides additional supporting documentation for the attribution of the painting. **Date** Undated, estimated to have been created during the second half of the 20th century. The precise year of execution has not been established. **Dimensions** Frame: H 51 × W 63 cm Painting: H 33.3 × W 45.5 cm (Japanese size No. 8) **Weight** 3.7 kg (including frame) **Material** Traditional Japanese painting, gold leaf and gold pigment, decorative frame and fabric mat. **Technique** Original hand-painted Nihonga, with gold leaf and gold pigment as described in the supplied artwork information. **Condition** The painting is in good overall condition, retaining its detailed brushwork, rich golden colors and decorative appearance. The frame has minor surface scuffs and signs of handling. The fabric mat shows slight age-related discoloration. Please examine all original photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. **Shipping** The item is planned to be shipped by FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post depending on the item, destination country and region. Any customs duties, import taxes or customs clearance charges are the responsibility of the buyer.