Reaching speeds of thirty-five miles per hour and able to propel itself meters over the water, the flying fish seems to defy the laws of nature. Seen only occasionally in Japanese visual culture of earlier eras, images of flying fish began to proliferate in decorative arts during the 1930s and 40s, where they suggested agility, power, and new possibilities.

This fall, a group of modernist lacquerware, glass, and metalwork objects, textiles, and works on paper and silk that feature this motif will enchant visitors to the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art.

Images, top to bottom:

Kotaki Yoshiharu, Japanese, 1904–1987, Screen with Flying Fish and Waves, ca.1932–early 1940s, Iron, silver, gold, shakudō alloy of gold and copper, persimmon wood, 14 3/8 × 5/8 × 67 in. (36.5 × 1.6 × 170.2 cm), Private Collection.

Isozaki Yoshitsugu (Bia), Japanese, 1884–1949, Vase with Flying Fish Design, ca. 1930s, Silver with gilding, 12 × 8 2/5 in (30.5 × 21.4 cm, Private Collection.