Koi pond paintings have been a primary category of Oriental art for centuries. These beautifully tranquil scenes traditionally serve as focuses for meditation and as a reminder of divine balance in the universe. And certainly, there is an ethereal appeal to the styles of koi pond art. Actual koi ponds are cultivated very carefully, with each element in harmony with the others. This is because of their use in traditional Oriental meditation gardens. The ponds were meant to be places to reflect on serenity and life, a world of its own that allowed the person meditating to see the entire picture of the fishes' reality, and therefore, their own. Because of this, the areas surrounding these ponds were sculpted with infinite care and precision in order for the koi pond and its immediate environment to be of assistance in the meditative process.
Koi pond art has been represented in nearly every medium and style imaginable by artists both old and new. Pop art, graphic designs, brush and ink, surreal, abstract, and realism have all touched this subject in equal measure with amazingly unique and sophisticated results. Curiously, people are rarely included in the composition of koi pond art, although sometimes heavenly deities or geisha are seen in paintings to be admiring or feeding the majestic fish. Additionally, the inclusion of traditional flowers, such as water lilies and cat-tails, add a sense of depth to the design and colorful variety that is almost universal in its appeal.
Because of the range of expression available in koi pond art, this category is highly popular for its decorative properties. Paintings of koi, and the garden ponds that they reside in, are excellent centerpieces for a room's design and have bold, inspirational colors. Most koi pond paintings have an excellently balanced color palette, with the white, gold, and black of the fish mixing with the harmonious blues and greens of the water. Regardless of where it's placed in the home or business, koi pond art adds a peaceful harmony to any decorating scheme.
