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Contrary to
popular belief Koi do not originate from Japan, but from parts of
Eastern Asia and China from where they were introduced some 2,500 years
ago in their Black form to become known as Magoi. Kept originally in the
rice fields to provide food during the winter some were brought nearer
to the homes and kept in their own "ponds" making them easier
to farm, possibly also as a form of decoration.
Some 700
years later in the Niigata region, Japan, color mutations were
seen containing Red and Grey.
The next
references to colored Carp comes at around 1800 with Red, White and
Yellow in evidence until about 1830 after selective crossings produced
the first "Kohaku". More varieties followed including the
Asagi and Higoi up till the late 1800's when many of the modern
varieties became "fixed".
About the
same time the Leather Carp was introduced from Germany (hence Doitsu
meaning German).This was an almost scale-less Carp and, so easier to
clean for the table. A cross between this and the Asagi produced the
Shusui.
It was not
until 1914 that the colored Carp were seen outside Niigata when a batch
were sent to the Great Tokyo Exhibition and some of these made a gift to
the Emperor Taisho's son and the rest, as they say is history. The start
of the "Taisho Era".
During the
20's the Kohaku and Sanke became established followed in the 30's by the
Shiro Bekko and Showa.
Koi are
constantly changing and more variations becoming available, some are
"one-offs" never to be seen again, others become
"fixed" and, others are yet to be dreamed of.
Koi
are claimed to have reached 2 meters (6 feet) in length, and the oldest
to have reached the age of 230 years. Most modern Koi are considered
special if they reach 1 meter in length, and average age from 40 to 60
years.
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