Living on an archipelago, surrounded by water on all sides, the Japanese have always had a close relationship with the sea. The marine life depicted in Japanese art, however, is often more symbolic than real, meant to convey literary, visual, or seasonal associations. Sometimes, even the connections to the sea are abstract, such as geometric patterns meant to evoke fishnets or scales on dishes and clothing. This exhibition explores the sea creatures that permeate Japanese art and culture, and dives into their deeper meaning.

Name That Fish

In October, Mia held an online contest to give Imai Sadamasa’s Napoleon Fish a nickname. After combing through hundreds of great visitor submissions, the artist chose Edmund Fishgerald.