What is a Japanese pattern? Introducing design features and typical Japanese pattern types that can be seen from history

To enjoy kimonos and accessories with Japanese patterns, it is recommended to know their types and meanings.

However, many people who are fascinated by Japanese pattern design tend to say, "I haven't had a chance to learn the characteristics of Japanese patterns."

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce in detail the characteristics of Japanese patterns that can be seen from history and the types of typical Japanese patterns that are loved by many Japanese people. Please use it as a reference when choosing Japanese accessories and kimono.

What is a Japanese pattern?

Japanese pattern is a term that refers to the regular patterns of traditional Japanese patterns.

It is also called a Japanese pattern.

Japanese patterns are used in traditional crafts, yukata patterns, and chiyogami. It is also the design that foreign tourists choose when buying Japanese souvenirs.

Design features seen from the history of Japanese patterns

The origin of the Japanese pattern currently used is based on the design after the Heian period.

From the Asuka period to the Nara period to the early Heian period, which was earlier than that, the envoys to Tang and Sui were strongly influenced by Tang and Sui, and most of them were foreign-style designs that were not unique to Japan.

In the Heian period, arrangements of Tang culture and Japanese designs became popular among aristocrats. It is said that the design of Japanese patterns changed significantly in this era when hiragana was born.

In the Edo period, patterns derived from Kabuki actors also appeared, and Japanese patterns began to develop while incorporating numerous changes. And to the present day, the number of things with nature as a motif is increasing while inheriting historical things.

Types, meanings, and characteristics of typical Japanese patterns

There are countless types of Japanese patterns in modern times alone. Here, let's introduce the features and charms of Japanese patterns that are loved by many Japanese people.

工字繋ぎ(Koji tsunagi)

It is a Japanese pattern in which the combined characters of "Kou" are repeated.

"Connecting", in which the basic pattern is repeated like a kanji connection, has the meaning of "continuous longevity" that it lasts for a long time. And this pattern also has a feature that is easy to choose when wishing for the prosperity and longevity of the house.

矢羽根(Yabane)・矢がすり(Yagasuri)

The arrow feather is a design of feathers such as eagles and hawks attached to the top of the arrow.

Since the arrow has the meaning of "shooting the target", it has been used as an auspicious pattern since ancient times. In the latter half of the 1970s, due to the influence of the popular shojo manga "Haikara-san ga Gou", the number of female students wearing Yabane's kimono and shrimp brown hakama at the graduation ceremony began to increase.

七宝つなぎ(Shippo tsunagi)

It is a Japanese pattern in which the circumferences of multiple circles are overlapped by a quarter and are continuous up, down, left and right. It is also called a different connection sentence.

Depending on the person, the central part may look like a shining star, and the overlapping part may look like a petal. The pattern continues forever on all sides, and the luck is very good, so it is a luck pattern that evokes the prosperity of descendants and the harmoniousness of the couple.

[If you read the article, may you know the meaning of this KARUTA? ]

千鳥文(Chidorimon)

It is a very cute Japanese pattern with a pattern of staggered birds flying in a flock. It is also called a wave plover.

From the spectacle of the two staggered birds, you can make a wish for a happy couple and your wife's safety. The houndstooth, which is often used in modern clothes, is said to be a further simplification of the Japanese pattern houndstooth.

亀甲(Kikko)

It is a Japanese pattern that connects regular hexagons on the left, right, top and bottom.

The turtle shell, which was originally introduced from China to Japan, is said to be a pattern that was popular from the Heian period to the Kamakura period. This Japanese pattern, which is a regular hexagon and represents the shell of a turtle, contains the wish of longevity auspiciousness. Also, when the turtle shell has two layers, it is sometimes called a child-bearing turtle shell.

松文(Matsumon)

The long-lived pine tree has long been believed to be the tree where God dwells.

Behind these wishes is the characteristic that leaves do not fall throughout the four seasons. The pine tree has not only a Japanese pattern but also a charm that serves as a mark of the Toshigami like Kadomatsu. And Matsufumi has become a popular Japanese pattern with wishes for longevity and good luck.

[Do you care about Japan? Would you like to learn Japanese together? ]

宝尽くし(Takara zukushi)

This Japanese pattern, which is scattered with the following auspicious treasures, has a long history of being established as an auspicious sentence from the Muromachi period.

• Launched gavel
• Cintamani
• Cloak of invisibility, etc.

The types of lucky charms scattered in this Japanese pattern vary from region to region. The name "exhaustion" means collecting different motifs in the same category. In addition, there are also Japanese patterns such as shellfish exhaustion.

桜散らし(Sakura chirashi)

It is a Japanese pattern with petals and cherry blossoms scattered throughout.

This pattern, which is used regardless of the season, has been sung in various songs since the Heian period. Then, in the spring season from March to April, many Japanese patterns with more realistic and realistic designs of cherry blossoms will appear. In general, wishes for prosperity, abundant harvest, and good luck are often included.

Summary

Japanese patterns, which are indispensable for Japanese accessories and kimono, have a history of continuing to change over the years.

The Japanese pattern, in which the same design is repeated, is very attractive because it is easy for people who wear kimono for the first time to coordinate. The pattern will be appreciated even if it is auspicious, so please pay attention to the Japanese pattern when choosing a kimono.

This article is a partial re-edit of the article published in Nihongo Biyori by KARUTA.
Unauthorized reproduction or use of the contents, text, images, illustrations, etc. of this site is strictly prohibited.