Binta (Japanese Bitterlings), No. 2 from the series "Gyoraku zu" (Playful Fish) 

Five paintings depict five different species of freshwater fish: carp exploring the reeds, binta frolicking around algae, medaka gathering around green potted plants with dragonflies above, ida flowing with the current, and haya exploring the sandy riverbed. The paintings seem to capture the perspective of a child peering intently into the water, fascinated by the fish below. And in fact Katayama Nampu was recalling his childhood experiences when he made them. The paintings were based on sketches he made while walking along the shores of Lake Ezu during a visit to his hometown of Kumamoto. He was in a slump at the time and struggling with despair, but by reverting to sketching and seeking inspiration in the life forms around him, he was able to find his feet again.
(HASEGAWA Tamao)