Gosanke

[Hilary]

Hi

I know that kohaku, sanke and showa are gosanke but what does gosanke mean?

[Brian]

Hillary,

Gosanke refers to the "big three" varieties in koi of: Kohaku, Taisho Sanke, and Showa Sanshoku. It's actually a recycled term that originated during feudal times in Japan to denote the three branches of the Tokugawa families; the shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603-1868 AD.

[Andrew]

Hilary,

Trust me, the answers you got to this in response to your post two days ago on koichat are correct, as Brians response above also bears out.

[aquitori]

Hilary, it's hard enough having to learn the Japanese terms, it's even harder learning the history of the words...

[swordfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hilary Hi

Quote: Originally Posted by Hilary I know that kohaku, sanke and showa are gosanke but what does gosanke mean?

In short, Gosanke mean 'Imperial or Royal 3 families'.

SF

[Hilary]

Thanks to all who have responded and especially to Brian and Swordfish for their informative replies.


While we are on the subject is the word 'gosanke' singular or plural?


Hilary

[aquitori]

It's plural descirbing a group.

Quote: Originally Posted by Hilary Thanks to all who have responded and especially to Brian and Swordfish for their informative replies. While we are on the subject is the word 'gosanke' singular or plural? Hilary

[keokoi]

Good subject on the names etc. So much to learn such as where the name Showa and Taisho come from. The tales behind the name is just as enjoyable!


Joe

[Hilary]

As Andrew points out I have posted this question elsewhere and I thought you might be interested in the following.

A big thank you to Billy of Nicekoi for coming up with the answer to this thread when he saw it in www.koi-ireland.co.uk. Through Andrew, of Selective Koi, Tomoko in Japan says:

'This word comes from the three families of the Tokgawa house in the Edo period (1603 to 1869). It means Triumvirate, the big three.

GO means honourable
SAN means three
KE means family

The families' names are Mito Tokugawa Ke, Owari Tokugawa Ke and Kii Tokugawa Ke'

Thanks to everyone who took time to look and post on this thread.

Hilary

[dick benbow]

thanks Hilary! A little different fare for what is usually discussed and a nice addition to the variety! let us know if you discover anymore.