Nishikigoi - Kyojapan - Japan Collection

Top > JAPAN Collection > Nishiki-Koi（varicolored carp）

Nishiki　Koi　（varicolored carp）

What is Nishiki　Koi　（varicolored carp）

Nishiki Koi is National fish of Japan. Basically, Koi can be classifying into three types such as black Koi, single colored Koi, and Nishiki Koi. Nishiki Koi is not for eating. There are many breeds of Nishiki Goi, the price is depends on the size, color development, spot patterns and its shape. Nishiki Koi is really expensive.

History

Some of colored Koi was mentioned records of the 4th century. But it started to keep in the 19th century. A farmer started to keep some Koi which has lighter color (not black) by curiosity; the area where he lived has accustomed to keep some Koi for emergency food material.
As a hobby of rich farmers, selected breeding was improved. The improvement did not stop and in 1914, an exhibition appears as strange colored Koi but a minister loved its every thing and named “Nishiki Koi”

Name of Nishiki Koi

Nishiki Koi is named as mentioned. But what does it mean the word “Nishiki”? the original name was strange colored Koi, patterned Koi, flower Koi, etc. Nishiki means a silk cloth weaved with gold thring. And it is a punctual meaning of a gorgeous product.

Kyoto and Nishiki Koi

In the Kyoto city middle area there is a temple “Sinsen-en”. The next place is the north area “Toji-in” temple and the last one is “Shoryuji jo Park” of Kyoto.

▲Return to the Japan Cllection TOP