Koi are the symbol of good fortune, fidelity in marriage, perseverance in life, and determination in Warriors.  Of all the animals associated with Japanese art, the Koi ranks as one of the most immediately recognizable and popular subjects.  These large menuki are formed from Shibuichi and have a gray-green, almost olive colored patina. 

The details are very well represented and these carry a more lifelike form and flow than most menuki I've encountered of the same subject.  They each have a tiny gold eye, and the fins have a billowing flow to them that softly elludes to the flow of water as the Koi swims.  Their condition is excellent, despite a tiny blemish above the eye of one which the patina was slightly rubbed away.  It is not scratched or abraded however and will "heal" itself with some time as these alloys will over time.  The posts are original and intact.  They are a large set of menuki, each over 5.5 cm long and could be suitabley mounted on a Katana, or enjoyed as they are.  A good candidate for submission to shinsa.