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KIN GIN RIN
General
Description
'Kin Gin Rin'
is the term applied to a koi whose scales exhibit a sparkling
effect. 'Kin gin rin' translates to 'gold and silver
scales'. A koi with only shining silver scales is
referred to as 'ginrin', while one with only shining golden
scales is referred to as 'kinrin'. All varieties of koi
can have sparkling scales, so each koi variety has kinginrin
variants or specimens.
A chemical deposit in the scales
of the koi make them
'sparkle.' According to
www.perfectfarm.com, sparkling scales were
first discovered in 1929 and was called 'gingoke' by Esaburo
Hochino.
According to an article by Douglas Dahl: "There
are four types Kin Gin Rin
scales. Pearl Gin Rin has a
sparkle deposit in the center of each scale like a pearl.
Diamond Gin Rin or Hiroshima Gin
Rin looks like brushed aluminum
sparkle. Beta-Gin is where the whole scale sparkles and is
the most valued type. Kado-Gin
has only the aft edge of each scale covered with this
sparkling deposit."
Some experts still debate on whether kinginrin scales add
beauty to a koi or lessen it. Indeed, in some koi the
kinginrin scalation diminishes some of its strong points such
as its color strength. On the other hand, excellent
kinginrin scalation can make an otherwise simply average koi
stunningly beautiful. In the final analysis therefore, one can
say that it really depends on how the sparkling scalation of a
kinginrin specimen contributes to the total package of the
koi.
A kin gin rin koi is better appreciated under
sunlight.
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Gin
Rin Kohaku (left), Gin Rin Sanke (center), Gin Rin Showa
(right)
Photo source:
www.keirinponds.com |
Appreciation
Criteria
Color
The color criteria used in judging non-kinginrin counterparts
of kinginrin koi apply. In addition, the glitter or
sparkle of the kinginrin scales must be very intense.
The kinginrin scales must likewise be evenly and generously
distributed on the back of the koi.
Pattern
The pattern criteria used in judging non-kinginrin
counterparts of kinginrin koi apply.
Body
Please see separate article on
The Ideal Koi Body.
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