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February 12, 2011
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900×641
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Comments: 121
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:iconpuimun:
Medium: Watercolors
Size: 12x17 inches
Prints and Original available [link]
Detail closeup views [link]
Original sketch available [link]
Related blog posts: [link] and [link]

In Chinese and Japanese legend the lowly carp spends its life trying to swim up the Yellow River. At the source of the river is a great roaring waterfall. If the koi were able to swim up that waterfall, it would be rewarded and transformed into a dragon. Thus, the koi is a symbol of personal advancement, perseverance, determination in the face of impossible obstacles, and inner strength. The journey of the carp to become a dragon was a metaphor for young scholars passing the Chinese state exams and become a mandarin.
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:iconjennifer-esposito:
*Jennifer-Esposito Mar 8, 2012  Professional Traditional Artist
This is fantastic!, the most beautiful watercolour paintings i have seen. luv the water colour with watercolors! ^-^ nice job!
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:iconwolfofdesire:
wow
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:iconstarlitewolf:
~starlitewolf Dec 5, 2011  Hobbyist General Artist
Your amazing ;-;
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:iconcarnival:
*carnival Oct 19, 2011  Professional Traditional Artist
absolutely amazing illustration of an idea :'3 thanx for sharing!
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:iconinversidom-riot:
~Inversidom-Riot Jul 21, 2011  Student Digital Artist
your art is really amazing and beautiful
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:iconanniegiturguns:
~AnnieGitUrGuns Jul 15, 2011  Hobbyist Photographer
God this is just amazing. Amazing. Your art never ceases to leave me in awe. I have this legend tattooed on me. :)
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:iconembrymandre:
*Embrymandre Jun 13, 2011  Student Traditional Artist
I love it! :)
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:iconnenuiel:
At this point I just start repeating myself when I comment on your work. Yet another gorgeous piece! Love the texture and rendering of the water and how it conforms and accents the fluidity of the dragon's form. =D
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