Shusui

Shusui koi are a striking variety known for their sleek, scaleless appearance and serene coloration, making them a timeless addition to any pond. The name "Shusui" translates from Japanese as "autumn water," reflecting their cool blue tones reminiscent of a clear fall sky. As a Doitsu (scaleless or partially scaled) koi, Shusui feature a smooth body with a single row of large, mirror-like scales along the dorsal and lateral lines, creating a streamlined, elegant look. Their base color is a vibrant blue-gray, often with a subtle reticulation (net-like pattern) inherited from their Asagi lineage, complemented by vivid red (hi) markings on the sides, belly, cheeks, and fins. The head should ideally be a pale blue or white, free of red markings, with a clean, uncluttered appearance that enhances the koi’s refined aesthetic. High-quality Shusui exhibit a uniform blue across the back, with red markings that are bright, well-defined, and balanced on both sides of the body. The contrast between the blue and red, combined with the Doitsu scale pattern, gives Shusui a minimalist yet captivating beauty, appealing to hobbyists who appreciate understated elegance.

The history of Shusui is deeply intertwined with the early development of koi breeding in Japan, tracing back to the 19th century in Niigata, where farmers began selectively breeding carp for ornamental purposes. Koi breeding has even older roots, with records in the Japanese history book Nihon Shoki (720 AD) noting Emperor Keikō’s release of carp for viewing in 74 AD, and Chinese texts like Gǔjīnzhù (4th century AD) describing colored carp, highlighting their ancient ornamental value. Shusui emerged around 1910 when koi breeder Kichigoro Akiyama I crossed an Asagi—a variety known for its blue-gray reticulated scales and red markings—with a Doitsu German mirror carp, which had been introduced to Japan in the late 19th century for food production. The goal was to combine the Asagi’s coloration with the Doitsu’s scaleless trait, creating a new variety with a sleek, reflective appearance. The resulting Shusui retained the Asagi’s blue and red palette but gained a smoother body and prominent dorsal scales, distinguishing it as a unique category. Early Shusui often had more subdued colors, but over the decades, selective breeding enhanced the vibrancy of the blue and red, leading to the modern Shusui seen today. By the mid-20th century, Shusui had become a recognized variety in koi shows, celebrated for its minimalist beauty and historical significance as one of the first Doitsu varieties. Shusui also played a role in developing other varieties, such as the Kikusui (a Doitsu Hikari Moyomono), by contributing its scaleless trait to metallic crosses. Today, Shusui remains a beloved variety for its elegant simplicity and historical roots, embodying the artistry of koi breeding.