Sashi

Short for Sashikomi. Term that refers to the blurry line between the front of a Hi plate or Sumi and the Shiroji. The blurry pinkish colour is caused by the end of the Shiroji scale overlapping the beginning of the Hi scale. When the Hi is of sufficient quality, the Hi shows through the Shiroji and appears as a blurry pinkish line at the front edge of each Hi pattern. Sashi refers only to the Kiwa towards the head and does not occur in the Kiwa towards the tail. Ideal Sashi is about one scale wide. Nimai Zashi is 2 scales wide. Sanmai Zashi is 3 scales wide.

(Courtesy of the excellent Book Kokugyo Vol II)