Sashi Sumi

Short for Sashkomi. Sashi is not only seen in Hi but also in Sumi. Term that refers to the often blurry line between the front of Sumi and the Shiroji. The blurry bluish colour is caused by the end of the Shiroji scale overlapping the beginning of the Sumi scale. The Sumi shows through the Shiroji and appears as a blurry bluish line at the front edge of each Sumi 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)