| well , certainly you're right Ray- it is about exposure and repetative exposure to quality that ultimately trains the eye. But I hope you can agree with me than the old way of judging ( praising every fish to the moon to encourage the beginner might not be the best way to learn?). What I think would be more helpful, on this subject of shiro, as well as a host of others, is to show the beginner student what isn't good or what isn't quality.
In regards to white, that we show what hard white IS as it is so common in our male show fish, goromo etc, here in America. And as you pointed out, we are not blessed with dozens and dozens of great fish in America. So the inverse should be taught, as it was intended by the original concept of a koi show. That is, explain why shiro is less than the ideal and why some fish are better than others and closer to the ideal.
This is about the best picture I have in digital of great white in a non-gosanke. It is real as the sunlight hides nothing. This 24 inch shiro was being offered at a special price of $8500. That is the price of perfection in body and shiro. Add the perfect pattern and I'm sure the price would double. |