The second lecture on Koi expertise is about “Kiwa and Sashi”. Quickly, which of these two Koies do you all find more beautiful?
Have you been able to spot the difference between Kiwa and Sashi?
About Kiwa
Beautiful Kiwa are ① and Sashi are ④. Take a look at the first two photos.You will notice a difference in the appearance of the ”Hiban”(scarlet scale). Can you see that ① has a clearer border between the “Hiban” and the “Shiroji” (white scale) than ②? “Kiwa” is the tail side border between the “Hiban” and “Shiroji”, and Koi has the more beautiful “Kiwa” is attractive and be rated. Conversely, blurred or rattled “Kiwa” will lower the evaluation.
About Sashi
Take a look at the next two photos.You can see that the “Shiroji” is more beautifully covered by the “Hiban” in ④ than in ④. “Sashi” is the head-side border between “Hiban” and “Shiroji”. Koi scales grow so that the scales on the head side are on top and the scales behind them (on the tail side) are inserted at the bottom. “Sashi” is the area where “Hiban” are inserted under white scales, where the two colors overlap. Koi with this color beautifully and evenly distributed are regarded as highly attractive Koi. Conversely, if the “Sashi” increase in number or become uneven in color as they grow, the evaluation will be lower.
“Sashi” like Koi in ③ is called “Ichimai-Sashi” (one-scale-Sashi). Uniformity and stability “Beni” makes some people say “Ichimai-Sashi” is too deep these days, but “Sashi” with such uniformity is rare and highly valuable. The best is “Han-sashi”, but the most important factor in producing “Tate-Koi” is the bloodline. Even if the “Sashi” is a little rough, if the Koi comes from a good breeder with good quality parent, it often gets better as it grows bigger.
“Han-Sashi”: “Sashi” with half of the scale covering that makes up the “Sashi”.
On the contrary, “Sashi” of the Koi in ④ is uneven and too deep, so “Shiroji” is dirty and bad red color. If it is this bad, it will leave a scar.
“Kiwa” and “Sashi” changes as they grow. Determining this and predicting the future appearance of the Koi is another skill of a skilled Koi breeders.
