One-of-a-kind Cubist style painting of koi fish in a dark pond. Koi are becoming a universal symbol of peace all over the world. 錦鯉 - Nishikigoi, often called Koi fish or Japanese carp, are fish with colors and patches raised and kept for appreciation. The carp originates from China and was brought to Japan by means of gifts. Its first Japanese mention dates back to 71AD (of Koi held by the presumed legendary Emperor Keikō). It took until the 19th century before Koi mutated and got colored, however, a prerequisite for contemporary Nishikigoi appreciation (originally Koi were held in irrigation basins above rice fields as a source of food).