Koi fish are often called "living jewels," because every koi displays a unique and fascinating pattern of brilliant colors.

The effect of such beautiful creatures, gliding gracefully beneath a shimmering water surface, is truly stunning.

They are nature's living works of art.

Koi keeping originated in Japan over a hundred years ago, and although it has since grown into an international hobby, the most beautiful and coveted koi still come from Japanese breeders, who closely guard the secrets of their craft.

Like a painting, a koi's value may grow over time. A young koi's colors and pattern mature and change with age, and so a rather plain young fish will sometimes grow into a gorgeous adult.

Truly stunning koi will sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, so serious collectors will study how koi grow and develop, acquiring promising young fish in the hopes that they will one day mature into prize-winning adults.

It is a hobby that can sometimes breed obsession.

Most people, however, simply keep koi because they are beautiful.

A koi pond is a place of serene beauty and reflection, an oasis of tranquility amidst the chaos and turmoil of modern living.