Hi Utsuri
Essentially black and red Koi, although the discussion about whether they’re red Koi with black markings, or black Koi with red markings is ongoing! While the bridesmaid variant of Utsurimono, some famous Niigata breeders continue to work hard to maintain their presence. Of these stoic breeders the most famous is Shinoda. While primarily famed for his Doitsu, Shinoda is also renowned the Koi world over for his striking Hi Utsuri. Shinoda san is closely followed by Hirasawa (Seitaro) probably Niigata’s biggest single volume breeder. It’s also noteworthy that many other breeders also occasionally produce impressive individual Hi Utsuri. It’s also true to say in the last decade the varieties popularity has waned, and with it the incidence of random special examples.
Ki Utsuri
All the above is also the case for the yellow and black – black and yellow Ki Utsuri except in this case the incidence is even smaller. Like we mentioned above, Otsuka Koi Farm is probably one of the breeders leading the way in the production of Ki Utsuri, with Ginrin and non Ginrin variations.
Head & Menware
All varieties of Utsurimono display the same type of head sumi as Showa variants. The term is also the same for Utsurimono as it is for Showa – Menware. The same also applies to sumi at the base of the pectoral fins, and, often all the others too.
Pectoral Fins & Motoguro
Motoguro, is the term given to the block sumi found at the base or knuckle of the pectoral fins on Showa, but it also applies to all Utsurimono.
Motoguro however, can be a fickle element. In the best examples, it’s striking and enhances the overall appearance of the Koi. If however, the quality of sumi in the Motoguro is poor or, where there’s far too much, in such cases the impact can be overpowering and instead of enhancing detracts from overall impression by virtue of its over presence. While it often appears this is more often the case with Hi and Ki Utsuri it’s not, it’s just that the effect is emphasised by the positive colour contrasts.
Sumi Incursion
It would be remiss of us not to mention a specific problematic factor occurring in all three Utsurimono, and especially in Hi and Ki Utsuri – their propensity for sumi speckling. The appearance of random sumi spots on colour pigment rarely enhances the afflicted Koi. Although age seems to be a factor in the emergence of this issue, its exacerbated by the basic genetic predisposition of Showa and Utsurimono derivatives, to throw up random sumi spots. It is a rarity not to see some specs of Sumi in Hi and Ki Utsuri varieties, more the norm to be honest, but less is definitely more preferred.
We saved the best of Utsurimono till last… we give you – Shiro Utsuri!
There is something beguiling and special about the simple combination of black and white/white and black. Just as the fundamental simplicity of red and white naturally draws us to Kohaku, the same mystique is also present in Shiro Utsuri. The purist will tell you that sumi on Shiro Utsuri is different and unique. Of course, it’s not, but the often striking contrast with gleaming Shiroji renders it so, and fuels the myth. While Shiro Utsuri is the unofficial fourth Go Sanke, it’s not really, but its importance is such that it helped forge dynasties like Sakai Hiroshima, Ogawa, Ogata, Seitaro, Yagenji and the most famous Shiro Utsuri breeder on the planted – Omosako.
Visitors to the then formative Omosako in the 1980’s returned to the UK confirming the madness of this “mad bloke in Hiroshima totally obsessed by Shiro Utsuri”. Who has literally nothing else for sale except…”the odd Showa and Kawari reject”. Then Omosako was dismissed as a fad and fancy. Those red faces and the history books today judge it somewhat differently, just like garlic bread, it was indeed the future, and today the best Omosako Shiro Utsuri are some of the most sought after and revered on the planet!
Shiroji
For simple colour, white skin on all Koi is incredibly important, but in this case of Shiro Utsuri – it’s defining. While it’s easy to be seduced by Shiroji, it’s important that we focus on the quality first, and the actual colour presentation second. The reason for this is that without quality, colour, good, bad and indifferent are temporary. It’s also important to understand the difference between temporary and developing, the two are not one and the same. Shiroji is a living, changing, developing and evolving element in all Koi, because in Shiro Utsuri, there are only two colours to consider, the importance of both is exaggerated beyond their individual importance to a higher level of – complementary. In Shiro Utsuri both Sumi and Shiroji are totally reliant on each other. Any weakness in either compromise the whole. In Shiro Utsuri the detail, like menware, motoguro, finnage et al are not detail – they are fundamentals.
Sumi
Just like sumi in Showa, Shiro Utsuri sumi is required to be thick, dense and homogenous. This translates into a consistent, defined inky appearance. Sumi is also living and evolving, and because in Shiro Utsuri it’s a regressive skin element, it’s constantly appearing throughout the development of the individual Koi. The journey of sumi is however not always a straight line. So, just to make it more interesting, it often appears and disappears. It’s also sensitive to many factors from food to temperature, and of course, can be terminally affected by poor water quality.
The Shiro Challenge
The good news is that many breeders have also been seduced by the magic of Shiro Utsuri. Today there are hundreds of accomplished breeders all over Japan working to push the Shiro envelope just that bit further. As a result, the variety is getting better and better, and as a consequence, their availability in professional Koi outlets across the UK has never been better represented.
While you have no control over genetics, you do have control over the environment your charge will spend its life. Working to make that environment the very best you possibly can, remains plan A! Of course, good selection in the first place also helps, and working with your preferred Koi professional is a great place to start… Happy Hunting!
