My Koi Garden

Variety Guide

Utsurimono

Utsurimono are black-based koi with a second color wrapping through the body pattern.

Utsurimono award-quality koi reference photo 1.
Utsurimono 1. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Utsurimono award-quality koi reference photo 2.
Utsurimono 2. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Utsurimono award-quality koi reference photo 3.
Utsurimono 3. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Utsurimono award-quality koi reference photo 4.
Utsurimono 4. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.

Main types

Black and white Shiro Utsuri koi photographed from above.
Shiro UtsuriBlack and white Utsuri, often the most recognized form. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Black and red Hi Utsuri koi photographed from above.
Hi UtsuriBlack and red Utsuri. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.
Black and yellow Ki Utsuri koi photographed from above.
Ki UtsuriBlack and yellow Utsuri. Image source: KoiShowNews All Japan 55th Nishikigoi Show awards page. Source.

Identification

Unlike Bekko, Utsurimono should feel black-based. Sumi often wraps around the body and may appear on the head and pectoral fin bases.

FeatureUtsurimono cueCompare with Bekko
Base impressionBlack-based fish with a second color wrapping through the pattern.Bekko looks like black marks placed on a lighter base.
Head sumiBlack on the head can support identity and balance.Bekko generally should not feel head-heavy with black.
MotoguroBlack at the base of pectoral fins can strengthen the classic impression.Absence is not automatic failure, but check balance.
PatternStrong contrast without chaos; body should still be readable.Random dirty marks weaken both Utsuri and Bekko.

Beginner note

Look for balance between black and the second color. Strong sumi is important, but avoid fish where the pattern feels chaotic or the body line is weak.