“Utsuri” means reflection in Japanese. Aptly named, this koi is a black-bodied koi with white, red, or yellow as its secondary color. This secondary color seems to complement the bold strapping lines of the black (sumi) body. The shimmering patterns play optical games and appear as reflections. In most instances, it appears that the black is the accent color but, if one studies the genealogy of this variety, the utsuri was bred from one of the earliest lineages: tetsu magoi, a black common carp. Over the years, since 1925, several improvements have been made and we see different ratios of black to the accent color. The more modern varieties seem to have 40% black “sumi” to 60% color.

This variety is so appreciated that it is often included with the kohaku, sanke, and showa (gosanke) in koi competitions for eligibility for certain coveted awards. 

The conformation of the koi is very important, as always. A torpedo shape body with nicely shaped fins and everything in proportion is essential to showing off the quality of color and pattern of the utsuri.

The basic distinguishing feature of the utsuri is the bold black straps wrapping vertically over the body below the lateral line (the faint row of sensors, scales with small dots in the center, which seem to divide the koi into two parts -- upper and lower sections). The black should extend across the head in one of two patterns: a diagonal lightening-like line or a “v” pattern, “hachiware” or “menware”. Recently, in more modern examples of the utsuri, sometimes only a hint of this pattern appears. Some koi exhibit a black dot on the nose (hanazumi). All of these head patterns are acceptable as it is the balance of the entire pattern that makes the utsuri a work of art.

Included in the composition of this art piece are the fins. As in the showa of the last issue, the pectoral fins should have black at the base (motoguro). They should not be considered as separate features but part of the pattern and conformation of the koi. The sumi pattern requirement is exactly the same as in the showa, the variety covered in the previous issue.

The depth and quality of the color is very important. The black or “sumi” should appear shiny like patent leather and blue-black or ebony in color. In older examples or inferior quality utsuri, the black is dull and appears dusty. For those hobbyists interested in showing fish, know that stress sometimes affects the color, especially the black. Therefore, when contemplating a purchase of an utsuri, have the koi stay in the tub for half an hour or more to make sure the black does not fade. 

Enhancing the colors is the sheen or luster of the koi. This is the glow or lacquer-like brilliance of the colors attributed not only to the health of the koi but to the excellent quality of the pond water where it is raised.

The utsuri should resemble the cut silhouette pictures made by artists at county fairs -- a sharp edged black pattern on a contrasting solid background. The color needs to be so thick that it is actually difficult to see the individual scales. On the leading edge of the scale, the front edge, the black scale will go under the colored scale in front of it. If the colored scale is not thick in color, the black scale will show through as grey giving an unfinished, blurry front edge. This is called “sashi”. It has been said that a slight blur gives a three dimensional appearance and actually enhances the pattern. The decision as to whether it is a positive or negative will be on an individual basis. 

The back edge of the scale makes a very clean edge as it is on top of the contrasting color. This clean line is called “kiwa”.

Pictured in this article are normal scaled koi. However, the utsuri has been bred as scaleless (doitsu), metallic (hikari), and as diamond scale (ginrin). These varieties will be analyzed in future articles.

A well shaped body, clear deep color, sharpness of pattern, a pleasing ratio of color to black, an interesting head pattern, good fins, and the quality of luster or sheen make the utsuri a formidable contender for top awards at a koi show. It most definitely is a crowd pleaser in the pond.

 
Kin ki utsuri with metallic background

< Hi utsuri - young koi with
a very nice sumi pattern