Page 25 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 30
P. 25
Both of these principles are true whether it is a Koi with Starting Points – Left to Right
a simple pattern (one colour) or a more complex pattern
with two or more colours.
Having established that, let us consider the pattern
types. I’m told that there are four, but one of them (the
solid) doesn’t fit into my definition above. Nevertheless,
I will include in the diagram below so that you can
decide for yourself.
Left to Right: Now please note that these ‘Starting Points’ are
1. Head: guidelines not rules. They are not set in stone. A
For Beni patterns.
pattern can easily deviate from these guidelines and
2. Mouth: yet still conform to the basics of balance, etc.
For Sumi patterns on
Utsuri and Showa types. For example, there is a guideline for Kohaku in most
3. Flanks: Koi books that recommends that the first block of
For Shusui and
Kumonryu types. pattern (Dan) conforms to the Kutsubera head pattern
Left to Right: Let us look at the three on the right. – a round, horseshoe shape on the head between the
Solid (no pattern), 4. Shoulder:
Dorsal type, The Kohaku has a dorsal type pattern that conforms For Sumi patterns on eyes, but not touching them or the mouth. If it is an
Wrapped type and to the principles. It takes your eye from front to back Bekko and Sanke types. isolated piece of pattern just on the head its called
Linear type. (Maruten). At the other end of the body a gap is
and it has balance, as does the Showa. On the
preferred between the last block of colour (Odome)
Kumonryu we have to take into account the specific
and the tail. This gap is called the Ojime. Incidentally,
guidelines for the variety – a linear Sumi pattern on
this Kutsubera/Ojime combination ensures that the
the flanks and a bald head.
pattern balances on the head to tail axis. The Kohaku
This brings me on to another pattern element to in both of the above diagrams conforms to this, but
consider – its starting or key point. look at the Koi in the next photo.
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