Mochizuki Gyokusei was a Meiji to Showa period Japanese painter. A 6th generation Mochizuki, Gyokusei was from a prestigious family of court painters who served the Kyoto Imperial Palace. He studied under his father, Mochizuki Gyokkei, a celebrated bird-and-flower painter, and Nishyama Suisho, a renowned figure of the Kyoto art scene.

This work depicts a delicate scene of goldfish and Japanese rice fish swimming among lilies. In addition to its use of Maruyama-Shijo school realism, soft and naturalistic, this work bears resemblance to his father, Gyokkei's hand, and carries the characteristic Mochizuki aesthetic. In line with the season, the painting's refreshing blues make this a perfect piece for summer.

Learn more about Mochizuki Gyokusei, here