GAZING AT A POND full of richly hued Japanese koi (carp) is like peering into a liquid kaleidoscope…Doug Jackson

Nishikigoi, nishikikoi, koi, brocaded carp, fancy carp, colored carp, colorful carp, Samurai carp, Japanese carp, and other titles have been used to reference the beautiful fish that swim in our ponds. Giving them a name is one thing, but describing them is another. I enjoy using and contemplating the term "Living Jewels".

It was Mr. Komei Koshihara, owner of "Hanako" (the koi reported to have lived longest) and the then president of Nagoya women's college, who named the nishikigoi the "Living Jewel". (Takeo Kuroki, Manual to Nishikigoi, 1981) When this naming actually occurred is not listed in any of the literature I have available, but I have read a transcript of a radio broadcast to the Japanese nation over the NHK radio station, dated May 25, 1966, that does use the term "Live Jewel". (Live jewel or living jewel could in this case be a translation issue.) It was in 1964 that the English translation became officially Nishikigoi or koi and in 1968 that nishikigoi became known as the "national fish" in Japan (M. Tamadachi, The Cult of Koi, 1990).

The analogy of a living jewel is wonderful for appreciating koi. The concept of koi as ornamental, bright, colorful and "jewel-like" is very appropriate when mixed with the concept of "living" being transitive and natural. Koi change over time and with the quality of care their owners give them. Their transitive and ever changing beauty should be appreciated for the moment. Another beauty is one of form, that of just enjoying the peace and tranquility offered by this jewel of nature as it swims lazily through your pond.

The comparison of koi and jewels can be taken further. A dull koi (lacking luster and skin quality) that suffers from improper keeping is like a tarnished piece of jewelry. The cost of fine show koi can approximate the cost of fine jewelry, however, less expensive or pond quality fish can be enjoyed and even beautiful when presented properly.

Jewels or jewelry are intended to be worn or appreciated and the beauty of your koi should be appreciated in your pond or at a koi show. In koi shows it becomes important how your fish is presented. In Japanese style shows, a tank of size 3 kohaku is like looking at a tray of similar diamonds, it becomes easier to pick the "best". In English style shows your tank is the "setting" for your jewels. Consider picking fish that compliment each other.

In your pond at home you may have several fish that you enjoy, but when you go on pond tours look at how other owners "present" their fish. Are the home, the yard, the pond, and the fish in harmony or solitary and individual entities or jewels? Do owners just have a lot of fish or do they choose fish that compliment each other? The hobby has room for us all and there are no rules to judge this by, however, careful planning can enhance the beauty of your pond and your fish.

I urge you to attend the upcoming pond tours and koi shows this summer and think about koi as living jewels. See the upcoming events calendar.