Nijo-Jo Castle, in the central part of Kyoto, was completed in 1626 for the first Tokugawa Shogun Ieyasu. The present day layout contains a series of palace buildings and a beautiful traditional garden surrounded by a high wall of stone. Outside the wall are some ponds which were originally part of the moat. My painting shows a partial reflection of the wall, a bridge leading up to it and a pond full of Koi accompanied by a graceful swan. Besides the Koi I am particularly taken with the bridge, which, in concept, is a typical Japanese design. The railing of this bridge, however, shows the expert craftsmanship and attention to detail that is a hallmark in Japanese traditional architecture.