Appraising Koi other than Gosanke

[Russell Peters]

Appraising Koi other than Gosanke


In the Hikarimono breed too, Fukurin is responsible for the presence of shininess in the skin, that is unique to the breed. The entire body appears wrapped in a distinct shine. The area, which has most sheen is the head. Asagi with solid Fukurin becomes even more beautiful in its color as it starts to turn more lustrous.

There are more beautiful Koi among the Matsunosuke breed with spots of Gin (silver) in their bodies. These silver spots are known as Matsunosuke Gin. Matsunosuke breed tend to develop Gin even during their Tosai period, but in general,Gin becomes more visible around the second year. In number of cases where there would be no Gin during the Tosai period, but suddenly Gin will start to develop in the second year. High quality Koi is good fish regardless of the presence of Gin. Quality of a Koi is high only when it maintains its beauty for a long time.

Like the traditional Japanese bridal kimono, which is woven and embroidered with gold and silver thread; the presence of gold and silver thread is not the quality that determines the ultimate value of the kimono. Indeed, the inherent value of a Kimono does not change whether it has gold and silver threads or not. It is best not to get too involved in the presence of Gin in Koi because one can miss the point. It is more important to confirm the real essential qualities that determine the value of the Koi.

This is somewthing that had helped me to understand what to look for in Koi. It applies to any of the varieties but it is usually easier to see in Koi other than Gosanke. What Mr. Sakai is saying is that you must go past what you see on the surface and, I believe, pattern should be included. Once you get past all of what you see on the surface you will discover what makes all Koi good. The quality of skin is what makes everthing else stand out. If you do not have good quality skin then even the colors will not shine.

[Noahsnana]

High quality Koi is good fish regardless of the presence of Gin

the inherent value of a Kimono does not change whether it has gold and silver threads or not

Russ while I love the way he has worded the explanation I am confused. Is this referring to the here and there presence of a gin scale that may pop up or gin throughout the scale?

Beautiful specimen posted

[TODDER]

What is the difference between Gin and a metalic sheen? Do they come from the same place?

I hope this is not a absolutely "stupid" question.

[Russell Peters]

Russ while I love the way he has worded the explanation I am confused. Is this referring to the here and there presence of a gin scale that may pop up or gin throughout the scale?

Beautiful specimen posted

He is not referring to the random gin fleck but the presence of Gin Rin as a whole. What he is saying is that the skin quality (Kimono) must be excellent for the rest to show well. All the quality that you will see in the Koi starts with skin quality. Take everything else you see away, GR and colors, and what you should be left with is excellent skin.

[Russell Peters]

What is the difference between Gin and a metalic sheen? Do they come from the same place?

I hope this is not a absolutely "stupid" question.

Gin Rin is shown through the scales or as part of the scales. Metallic sheen is in the skin itself. Both come from guanine.