Kujaku

Two of the new tosai are kujakus – one is scaleless, so “doitsu kujaku”. I like the name kujaku but feel it’s quite a stretch to say the kujaku pattern echoes the peacock feathers. Hmmm, maybe I need some more art appreciation classes:

M. Okyo japanese peacock woodblock painting
M. Okyo japanese peacock woodblock painting

According to one of the gazillion koi websites, the kujaku was created in the early 1960’s by Mr. “Nishi” Hirasawa of Hiranishi Fish Farms. The Kujaku (literally “Peacock”) is a metallic or Ogon koi with the reticulated net-like pattern of the Matsuba on it’s back. This is overlaid with either a gold, yellow, orange or red Kohaku-type pattern. I really like koi that have scale reticulation. Maybe I’ll get a matsuba koi on the next round!

kujakus underwater

tosai doitsu kujaku
Doitsu Kujaku

 

tosai kujaku
Kujaku