![]() ![]() The black and white teardrops of the yin yang symbol are representations of two koi, one male and one female. ![]() Yamabuki - a gold coloured koi which represents wealth. Kuchibeni - a white and red patterned koi with red around its mouth which symbolises love and long lasting relationships. Ogon - a silver coloured koi which represents success in business and wealth. Kumonryu - a koi with a white body and black spots or with an all-black body which symbolises life's transformations. Kohaku - a white bodied koi with red spots which symbolises success at work. Koi of certain colours have their own particular symbolism. In other words, koi represent all things positive. Their long history and hardy nature has also led to koi being associated with longevity. The fish also symbolise good fortune, success, prosperity and ambition. So it comes as no surprise that koi are often associated with strength of character, perseverance, accomplishment and courage. In Japanese culture it is said that because koi can conquer waterfalls, they are brave like Samurai warriors. Only the bravest would attempt this feat and if successful they would be transformed into a powerful dragon. Carp would swim up the river and try to leap up the waterfall. According to this legend, all koi, with their bright colours, are descended from this fish.Īnother legends tells of a place called Dragon's Gate which was as the top of a waterfall on the Yellow River. ![]() One legend relates the story of the Chinese Philosopher Confucius who was presented with a magoy, a black carp, on the occasion of his son's birth. In the twentieth century these appealing fish were exported to Europe where they became extremely popular with hobbyists. At some point in the nineteenth century Japanese framers noticed colour changes in some specimens and began breeding the more colourful fish as pets rather than as food. Koi was and still is the term for all carp and not merely the brightly coloured specimens that we recognise as koi in Europe. Many centuries later the fish were introduced to Japan. They were popular with rice farmers as they could be kept in the ponds above their paddy fields and bred as a source of food. Koi carp were first transported to China around 2500 years ago. If you take even a brief look at the history of Koi, their attributes and the legends that surround them, then it isn't difficult to see why. Koi carp are revered in Asian culture and are attributed with many symbolic meanings. Have you ever wondered why koi imagery is so prevalent in tattoo art, interior design, sculpture and painting? Koi are colourful and beautiful creatures but their use in art and design is generally more symbolic than aesthetic. ![]()
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