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I bought a couple of Japanese scroll paintings for wall decoration. This is the second. It appears older due to the toning of the paper. The image area is about 52 X 18 inches. I liked the image of the carp swimming up the waterfall.

If anyone can tell me the artist and perhaps translate the paper attached to the back of the painting, I'd be very appreciative.

Cheers,
Stan

Inscription in my reading,
第壹番 - Dai Ichiban - The Number One
Seals,
ｘ壽　-　ｘju (I cannot read the first character)
The second seal is a complet enigma

Translation of the text on the attached paper,
第壹號　-　Dai Ichigō - The Number One
(I would read the 3rd character rather　番　-
seemingly it was written originally that way, but somebody tore it out and mended it up according to his own interpretation of the 3rd character - however the meaning remains the same)
揮毫　- Kigō　- Calligraphic work
慶應　- Keiō　-　Era name 1865-1868
備考　-　Remarks
亀吉　五十歳　当事（事is mistaken for時）Kamekichi 50 years old - that time.

In the dictionaries and net there are about half a dozen Japanese painters with Kamekichi
original names. Possibly the proper reading of seals could help this problem.

I. Nagy - Thank you for the information. Upon close examination, that 3rd character has not been replaced. It is merely a rip around the character. The ripped edge is exactly matched to the main piece of paper.

I appreciate all your help.

Cheers,
Stan

The artist seems to be signing with the art name 月汝. Carp ascending waterfalls symbolizes official success, as the inscription on back confirms: it seems to be about coming in first in the exam for Keio University and gives the surname of some 50 year old guy (not the artist)

Rat - Thank you! Especially for the symbolism of the painting. So, not a master painting, but a high point in one man's life. Interesting. It didn't cost much (<$50) and I really like that carp.

Cheers,
Stan

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