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Gosanke
Gosanke (GO-sahn-keh) refers to the “Big Three” koi varieties—Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa. These koi are the most celebrated in the world of Nishikigoi and form the foundation of nearly every serious collection.
Kohaku is recognized by its pure white body and red (hi) markings. Sanke (Taisho Sanke) adds black (sumi) accents to this pattern. Showa (Showa Sanshoku) flips this palette by featuring a black body adorned with red and white markings.
These varieties are prized for their elegance, contrast, and balance—making Gosanke the gold standard of koi appreciation and competition.
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Seek high contrast between colors with well-defined, symmetrical patterns that flow across the body. Skin quality, especially the purity of white and depth of red, is crucial. In Showa, sumi should be deep and lacquer-like, while in Sanke it should appear in sharp, controlled patches. Body conformation and the placement of patterns across the dorsal line and fins also carry weight in evaluations.
