Kin Ki Utsuri Koi Carp

Kin Ki Utsuri, are Koi Carp with an ink-black background or base skin colour (known as Sumi), overlaid with flashes of Yellow/Orange (known as Ki). Kin Ki Utsuri are also metallic (known as Kin – hence the name). When a Koi Carp is described as metallic, the easiest way of defining this by looking at the fins which will be opaque (i.e., not transparent). The skin of a metallic fish may also look reflective under certain light – not to be confused with Gin Rin. 

Kin Ki Utsuri are Koi Carp in the classification Utsurimono, which translates from Japanese as ‘reflections’. This refers to the patterning on a good Kin Ki Utsuri which should be asymmetrical, reflecting the Koi Carps pattern along the back of the fish. The effect can be likened to a checkerboard. Kin Ki Utsuri may also demonstrate some Black/Sumi on the fins.

In recent years Kin Ki Utsuri (and indeed other Utsurimono Koi) have surged in popularity. As a result, they have been purposely bred with Utsuri lineages, to produce the high-quality examples we see today. 

A good Kin Ki Utsuri should be of high quality, demonstrating the signature asymmetric patterning along the back. The colours present in a Kin Ki Utsuri should be in large blocks and have well-defined edges.

Kin Ki Utsuri hold their own in a pond as a uniquely beautiful Koi Carp which always grabs attention.  For this reason, Kin Ki Utsuri make a superb addition to any Koi pond.