Guys and gals, hows this for Sanke learning?: Written by Kate McGill:
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).