Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 鯉 (carp) has an interesting evolution. In ancient oracle bone and bronze inscriptions, the character depicted a fish with distinctive scales. The modern form 鯉 consists of the fish radical 魚 combined with the phonetic component 里, which also carries connotations of 'village' or 'hometown.' In Chinese culture, the carp symbolizes perseverance and success, famously represented by the legend of carp leaping over the Dragon Gate to become dragons. This symbolism carried over to Japan, where koi (carp) are celebrated for their determination and beauty. Arrived in Japan: The character 鯉 arrived in Japan during the Yayoi period (300 BCE - 300 CE) or early Kofun period (300-538 CE) along with the introduction of Chinese writing system to Japan. It was formally incorporated into the Japanese writing system during the systematic adoption of Chinese characters that began in the 5th century CE.