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For 12"... look for same characteristics as in tosai. Shine, strong body, even scalation, well-shaped pectorals. Color should be light... more pale yellowish than bright yellow. The longer the Ogon can grow before the pigment intensifies the better. Some of Isumiya's best did not gain deep yellow pigment until over 5 years old and over 30". But, it should be kept in mind that as common as gold Ogon are, the really great ones are quite rare. The price difference between a very good Ogon and a super fine one is enormous... and it may come down to the relative perfection of scale alignment, the presence of a single speck of orange pigment, or a difference in body structure hardly noticeable to 95% of the people who see it. Think of the Gosanke as models wearing designer gowns... the height of style, but the gowns cover some imperfections. The Ogon is a model in body tights. Imperfections become glaring.
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