 Hikari utsuri are Koi of Showa
Utsurimono group (Showa Sanshoku, Shiro Utsuri, and Hi Utsuri, etc.) displaying
"Hikari (luster or glitter)," and include "Kin Showa (with lustrous
gold color)," "Gin Shiro Utsuri (with platinum sheen)," and "Kin
Ki Utsuri (literally 'golden yellow Utsuri')."
The point of
appreciating this group is of course the intensity of the Hikari, the very
characteristic of the Hikarimono group.
Their markings are similar to
those of Showa Sanshoku and Utsurimono group mentioned before. The tone of gold and
Sumi is deeper, the better. However, there is an intricate aspect which we have to
pay close attention. Both Hikari and Sumi pigment have a tendency to cancel each
other -- most Koi with strong Hikari have deep Sumi. Consequently, Koi having strong
Hikari and firm Sumi at the same time are very rare. |