The sumi splits cleanly across the head in the classic menware V. It’s well balanced on both sides and sits crisp against the Hi.
This is the single most-checked feature on an Utsuri, and this fish has it properly.
Wrapping sumi, not surface sumi
The black bands rise from the belly line and wrap around the body rather than sitting flat on top of the Hi.
That distinction matters. Wrapping sumi is what makes an Utsuri an Utsuri — without it, a fish reads like a Showa instead.
The distribution runs evenly from shoulder to tail, breaking the Hi into strong alternating blocks.
Deep lacquered black
The sumi is dense and glossy, with a lacquered finish rather than a flat grey-black.
Edges are sharp where the black meets the Hi. No bleeding, no soft transitions.
Bright orange-red Hi
The Hi is a vivid orange-red, saturated across the shoulder and flank.
Against that depth of black, the contrast is about as strong as this variety gets. Hi Utsuri live on that contrast, and it’s the reason they read so well at distance in a pond.
Motoguro through the pectorals
The black runs deep into both pectoral fins.
Motoguro — sumi at the base of the pectorals — is a recognised Utsuri quality marker. This fish carries it heavily, giving the front end real visual weight.
Female at 48cm
She is a confirmed female at 48cm, with the body volume you’d expect at that size.
Females reach larger final sizes and carry more depth through the shoulder as they mature. For an Utsuri that matters more than in most varieties — sumi reads better on a fish with body behind it, and the pattern gains presence as she grows.
Body and finish
Solid, well-proportioned body with good depth through the shoulders. Fins well-formed and undamaged.
About Otsuka
Otsuka is a respected Niigata breeder, and Utsurimono is one of the areas where their work stands out.
Sumi quality is the hardest thing to breed reliably in this variety. Buying from a breeder with a track record in it is the closest thing to a guarantee that the black will hold and deepen as she matures.
Collection only
Held in clean quarantine and viewable by appointment. No live shipping — collection in person only.
WhatsApp or call 079 185 4092 to book a viewing or request video.
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