The meaning of the Japanese word "sanke" is literally "tri-color". The word "sanke" in Japanese characters is also read "sanshoku", giving the sanke an alias. This koi is a white fish with with red and black markings. If the only red on the sanke appears on the head it would be referred to as a "tancho sanke". Another way to look at it’s coloration is imagine a kohaku with large spots of black (sumi) that do not extend to the head.

The Taisho period in Japanese history was between 1912 and 1926. In 1914 the Sanke was first shown at the Tokyo Exhibition where the Emperor’s son got his first glimpse at koi. The sanke of this period is called a "taisho sanshoku". The particular sanke that was shown at this exhibition was at least 15 years old, therefore, many believe the origin of the variety dated into the late 1800’s. Among the first sankes recorded were those from crossing the kohaku with the shiro bekko. These were from Ojiya City, Niigata, Japan.

The "perfect" sanke should have no sumi (black) on its head. The sumi markings on his body should be large, balanced and should appear to be painted on. The red should be bright and deep. Neither color should "run" into the other or the white of its body.