The Classics

Koi Varieties

Our name comes from the five classic varieties every collection is built on. Each carries centuries of Japanese breeding tradition — here's what makes each one unique, and what to look for when choosing yours.

Kohaku

White body with red (hi) markings — the foundation of all koi varieties and the most celebrated fish in the hobby. Judges look for snow-white skin, deep even red, and crisp pattern edges (kiwa). There is a saying in Japan: koi keeping begins and ends with Kohaku.

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Sanke

Taisho Sanshoku — a white base with red and black accents. The best Sanke read as a Kohaku first, with sumi (black) appearing as elegant punctuation above the lateral line. Sumi often continues developing for years, making young Sanke exciting fish to grow.

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Showa

Showa Sanshoku — a black base wrapped with red and white. Bolder and more dramatic than Sanke, with sumi that wraps below the lateral line and enters the head. Modern Showa carry more white than older bloodlines, giving striking contrast.

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Asagi

One of the oldest koi varieties: an indigo-blue net pattern across the back with red along the belly, cheeks, and fins. Asagi beauty is quiet and refined — evenness of the net and clean head skin are everything.

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Tancho

A pure white body with a single red crest on the head, echoing the red-crowned crane and the Japanese flag. A perfectly round, centered crest is rare — which is exactly why collectors prize them.

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