| Marie: Dr. Kuroki wrote in Modern Nishikigoi...
"They say there is a unique variety called 'Ochiba-shigure' in Shikoku. Of what lineage is it? Ochiba-shigure are koi with green and grey patterns, and came from the Cha-goi line, which in turn came from the Ogon. The first Ochiba-shigure was kept in Rinrin Park in Ehime, and has grown to be 90cm long. It won the Jumbo Prize at the 18th Z.N.A. National Nishikigoi Show in Imabari, and was so highly praised that it could be called a national treasure. Many Ochiba-shigure are seen in Shikoku. Some of them are excellent, as each scale appears clearly defined. The Ochiba-shigure of doitsu lineage are very beautiful, and are sought by some fanciers."
I find no mention of Ochiba in his earlier Manual to Nishikigoi, nor in the early English writings of Tamaki and Amano. |