Koi fish originated in China as a mutated form of carp brought over as a food source when the Chinese invaded Japan. Farmers in Japan began selective breeding in the 1820s to emphasize their bright colors, creating the ornamental koi fish seen today. Koi fish frequently feature in Asian art as symbols of strength and perseverance, and in mythology a koi that climbs a waterfall can transform into a dragon.

1. Koi Fish
Chinese and Japanese Art

2. • Koi fish are actually just a mutated
form of common carp.
• Although they are often thought
to be Japanese fish, Koi actually
originated in China and Eastern
Asia. They didn’t make their way
into Japan until the Chinese
invaded and brought the carp with
them as a food source.
• In the 1820’s farmers began
breeding certain carp to bring out
their bright colors. These fish are
the colorful ornamental fish we
have today!
The Origins of the Koi Fish

5. Koi Fish in Asian Art
• Koi fish are a very
common in Asian
artwork as they
symbolize strength and
perseverance.
• In Asian mythology it is
thought that a Koi fish
who swims to the top
of a waterfall will turn
into a dragon!

6. Japanese woodblock print (1790-1848)

7. Porcelain from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

8. Japanese print from the Edo period (1615-1868)

9. Japanese woodblock print (1820s)