Himo Sumi

String Sumi. A shape of Sumi that is long and thin like a string (Himo) but is not necessarily straight. Usually used to describe Sumi on Showa and Taisho Sanshoku. Sumi tends to become thick but when it appears in a thin and artistic pattern it makes the Koi very attractive. Depending on the direction the pattern runs it may also be Tate Zumi (parallel to the dorsal fin), Obi Zumi (crossing the dorsal fin and looking like an Obi) or Tasukigake (diagonal).

(Courtesy of the excellent Book Kokugyo Vol II)