Bekko are one of the oldest varieties of Koi. First being described in 1582. The earliest varieties were orange with black spots which eventually became known as Aka Bekko. A yellow bodied derivative followed shortly after. The more familiar white bodied Shiro Bekko was a much later addition (1920) and arose from a completely different route alongside Sanke.
Bekko means tortoiseshell and the early Bekko’s sumi, i.e. black on an orange or yellow skin gave the appearance of a rich black/brown lacquer effect akin to tortoiseshell.
These days all Bekko’s are rare and Shiro Bekkos are no longer line-bred. Those that you see are by-products of Sanke production. Some will say ‘Reject Sanke’ which should not be viewed as a negative comment. Sanke have been extensively refined by Nishikigoi breeders over the years and the improvements to skin quality have therefore been passed on to the Shiro Bekko.
Within the show class Bekko there are only three varieties.
Aka – Red skinned.
Ki – Yellow skinned &
Shiro – White skinned.
The essential element of the Bekko is the sumi pattern. It should begin at the shoulder and meander up the body in a stepping stone pattern. So just one pattern but three different skin colours.
Click here 2_Bekko for downloadable version.