Sanke
Sanke defining features
Sanke are white Koi with solid red (beni or hi) and black (sumi)
patterns on the body. The head of a Sanke, as for Kohaku, is expected to
be red and white only. Black patterns are most likely to appear above
the lateral lines. Fins may carry black stripes (tejima or tezumi). A
Sanke with almost no visible white is called an Aka Sanke. Other Sanke
names are red-pattern based, for example, Maruten Sanke (red head
pattern separate from red patterns on the body).
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| Sanke Koi |
Origin
Sanke first appeared as natural mutations seen in a Kohaku (white Koi
with red patterns) spawning. Some of the offspring showed small black
spots. Because this occurred in the Japanese Taisho era, Sanke, first
called Shima Sanke because of the striped fins, became Taisho Sanke.
Basic appreciation points
• Red and white patterns on a Sanke ideally fulfil the same criteria as a
Kohaku. An acceptable exception is the Aka Sanke, where almost the
entire Koi is red with black patterns superimposed.
• The quality of the black is a critical feature – it should look
coal-black, dense and glossy, and scales should not be visible within
black patterns.
• Pattern edges, particularly trailing edges (kiwa), should be sharply defined.
• Black may appear over red or white patterns – when over red, leading
edges of black patterns should also look sharp; if over white then a
small amount of blurring (sashi of sumi) is both acceptable and
desirable, since it provides a 3D element to the pattern. Black over
white is preferred, as it’s more elegant.
• The desirable size of black pattern elements changes over time. Black
patterns should be neatly arranged along the back, ideally beginning
with a large shoulder marking (tsubo, or well-placed sumi).
Common problems
• Same as Kohaku list.
• Poor quality, thin, dull-looking black areas that never improve.
• Large numbers of very small black speckles (jari sumi).
• Poor edges to the black patterns. Good kiwa of sumi is difficult to achieve.
• Black pattern-related problems, for example, lack of balance, head to tail or side to side.
