Koi Fish Oil Paintings

In Korea, koi fish were used as decorations for locks on safes where valuables were stored due to their fish-like characteristic of sleeping with their eyes open – symbolizing the protection of wealth.

In China, the pronunciation of “nine” (九) is the same as “long” (久), and the pronunciation of “fish” (魚) is the same as “surplus” (餘).

Based on this, paintings featuring nine koi fish were created and popularly used as decorations, expressing the wish for lasting wealth and prosperity.