Female Shiro Utsuri – Yagenji Koi Farm
Shiro Utsuri is a koi in two colors: deep black and pure white. With no red to hide behind, the quality of the sumi and the white decides everything.
Origin and history
The Utsurimono, or 'reflection' koi, are black-based fish whose second color appears as if reflected through the black. The family includes Shiro Utsuri (white), Hi Utsuri (red) and Ki Utsuri (yellow). They share Showa's style of sumi: wrapping bands, sumi on the head, and motoguro in the pectoral fins. Shiro Utsuri was established in 1925 by Kazuo Minemura and became far more popular after breeders introduced Showa bloodlines, which improved both the sumi and the white. Omosako, Marudo and Isa are among the farms best known for modern Shiro Utsuri.
Color and pattern
The sumi should be lacquer-black and wrap the body in bold bands, Showa-style. It should cross onto the head, often as a lightning-bolt or split-face pattern, and show as motoguro at the base of the pectoral fins. The white should be clean, soft white, not yellowed. The best fish balance black and white at close to half and half, with both sides of the body equally interesting.
In your collection
Utsurimono reward patience. Their sumi often starts grey or patchy in young fish and comes up deep and glossy over several years, and cooler, harder water tends to bring it out. In a pond they give strong visual weight and contrast, and they pair well with Kohaku and Platinum Ogon.
What collectors look for
- Glossy, deep sumi with sharp edges and no grey haze
- Clean, bright white with no yellowing or shimi (stray black freckles)
- Sumi on the head and motoguro in both pectoral fins
- Balanced, wrapping pattern that is interesting from every angle
