鯉

The use of Koi in a Japanese Garden

There is something about these shiny, glittering fish, gliding through the water that is both exciting and mesmerizing. Koi come in a variety of colors including but not limited to orange, gold, black and white. Originally they were a solid color but are now often bred for certain desired color patterns. These amazing colors coupled with light fluttery fins and tails make them a study in grace and motion. They seem to glide through the water like jewels whose facets catch and reflect the sunlight. Koi have an interesting history in Japan. Also known as jinli or nishikigoi, they are actually a colorful type of carp that originated in China. They were brought to Japan in the 1st Century A.D. and used as an important component in rice production and then as a food source during the winter. The carp in that time were mostly brown in color, but a genetic mutation began showing up in the form of colors. Farmers then began breeding them for desired colors. No longer commonly used as a food source, they are now predominately raised to be pets or as possessions to be admired in either a garden or indoor setting. Adding koi to a water feature in a Japanese garden is a natural idea. They seem to perfectly embody the ideas of serenity and peace that are ever present in a true Japanese garden. Like a garden itself, they seem designed to be admired and enjoyed as a colorful and vibrant representation of the beauty of nature.