Koi

Utsurimono Koi includes Shiro Utsuri, Hi Utsuri and Ki Utsuri. In recent years, Shiro Utsuri Koi have become almost as popular as the big three (Kohaku, Sanke and Showa), due to tremendous improvements in their quality and black pattern stability.

Utsurimono Koi defining features
Black (sumi) with white (shiro), red (beni or hi) or yellow (ki) two-coloured, non-metallic Koi. Black patterns are in the same configuration as those described for Showa.

Origin
Ki Utsuri is one of the very first Koi (late 19th century), probably developing from natural mutations of the tetsu Magoi. Shiro and Hi Utsuri were produced later, in the 1920s.

Basic appreciation points
• Clean-looking (no spots or stains), evenly developed base colour (white, red or yellow) for an Utsurimono.
• Shiro Utsuri is the most popular Koi of the group. Its stark black and white beauty is very eye-catching, especially when the white is the beautiful blue tone of snow in the shade and black patterns are solid, glossy and razor-edged towards the tail (kiwa).
• Leading edges look best with an even, narrow blue border where white overlays the black – this is what gives that lovely blue tone to the white skin.
• Black patterns ideally appear on both head and body, in such a way as to lead the eye right through to the tail.
• On Shiro Utsuri, black pectoral fin joints (motoguro) are expected, but not on Hi or Ki Utsuri – their fins are heavily striped.

Common problems
• Poor growth characteristics. Utsurimono do not often achieve a very large size.
• Small, pointed heads.
• Yellowing of the white skin, often seen on the head and fins of male Shiro Utsuri.
• Poor-quality black, which looks thin (scales visible through it), uneven and dull.
• Rough-looking, jagged edges to the black patterns.
• The base colour spotted with numerous tiny black speckles. Common on Hi and Ki Utsuri.
• Completely black fins on Hi and Ki Utsuri, with very heavy black patterns on head and body.
 

Written by Kate McGill

Photo supplied by Kate McGill