Entropy Design Metal Bookmark (Koi) - Unbreakable Metal Bookmark / World Famous Paintings, Ukiyo-e, Japanese Painting, Art Stationery, Japanese Souven

Country of Manufacture: United States / Material: Brass Product Size: Approx. 9.5cm (L) x 3.2cm (W) / Package Size: 19.8cm (H) x 6.3cm (W) (Set on a paper backing, in a transparent sleeve) These bookmarks feature distinctly Japanese designs, such as ukiyo-e prints by world-renowned artists like Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Utamaro, as well as beautiful women paintings by Takehisa Yumeji and Nishikigoi (koi carp). They are very popular as gifts for people overseas. The body is made of brass, plated to prevent discoloration, and the design is created using giclée printing, a technique also used in art. It comes with a decorative accent color string, ensuring the bookmark functions securely even when clipped to a book.

This bookmark depicts a vibrantly colored Nishikigoi, often called a "swimming work of art" and popular overseas, gracefully swimming and creating ripples.

Koi carp were first kept as ornamental fish in Japan in the 1820s. The word "koi" originates from Japanese and originally referred to all freshwater carp. However, the variety called "Koi" in English is formally known as "Nishikigoi," named for its beautiful, brocade-like patterns. In Japanese, "koi" is also a homophone meaning "love" or "affection," and for this reason, carp have been considered a symbol of "love," "friendship," and "bonds" in Japanese culture. Furthermore, the carp is associated with the Chinese legend of "Toryumon," where a carp climbs a waterfall to transform into a dragon, and is therefore also cherished as a symbol of effort, success, and advancement. Its powerful ability to overcome adversity has led to its incorporation into customs such as carp streamers as a symbol of wishing for the healthy growth and realization of children's dreams.