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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.
 

                      

   

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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