Wagara Wednesday--Week 11

Last week, we introduced the Kikkou (亀甲) “tortoise shell” pattern in honor of World Turtle Day, which was marked on May 23. 

For Week 11 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series, we share a variation of the Kikkou motif known as Bishamon Kikkou (毘沙門亀甲).

The unique shape of the Bishamon Kikkou is created by linking together three (3) kikkou tortoise shells and removing their inner lines. 

The pattern is named after Bishamonten (毘沙門天) one of the Shichi-fuku-jin (七福神) — seven gods of luck.

Bishamonten is known as the God of Treasure, Wealth, & Warriors, Protector of Buddhism, Dispenser of Riches, Defender of the Nation, Scourge of Evil Doers, Healer of Illness, Guardian of the North, and Commander of the Shitennō (四天王), a group of four gods who protect the four directions.

Bishamonten is typically depicted as dressed in full armor decorated with the repeat Y-shaped Kikkou pattern.

As the world continues to battle COVID-19, may the Bishamon Kikkou bring you the protection of the mighty defender and deity of healing.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 10

Week 10 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the geometric tortoiseshell Kikkou (亀甲) pattern of hexagons in honor of World Turtle Day, which is observed on May 23.

Kikkou is one of the most loved and widely used Kichijomon patterns in Japan, as it is associated with the “tsurukame” (鶴亀; crane and tortoise) symbol of longevity.

The tortoiseshell pattern has a storied history.  Originally a Chinese motif, it was Japanized during the Heian period and widely used in courtly decoration, court dress and, later, warrior kimono, armor and weapons.  It also appeared on objects of Buddhist art, lacquerware, and metalwork.

Given the pattern’s auspicious connotations, it has come to be seen as a lucky charm that wards off evil and brings longevity. 

As America begins to reopen, the kikkou pattern is our prayer for continued safety and good health.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 9

Week 9 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the geometric shippo (七宝) pattern of overlapping circles in honor of International Buddha Day, which was observed on May 7 this year.

Shippo, which means precious stones, refers to the “seven treasures” of Buddhist scriptures — gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, agate, red coral and carnelian.

The treasures are represented by never-ending linked circles, both of which have the same pronunciation in Japanese.

As circles in Japanese culture represent harmony and peace, the auspicious pattern has a long history of use in temples and shrines.

The enjoined circles are imbued with wishes for strong interpersonal ties, and represent the idea that the relationships and links between people are equal in value to the Seven Treasures.

As we continue to social distance, may the shippo pattern remind us that we are still connected while apart. Although the pandemic has changed the way we interact with others, we are not alone. Take the time to check in on a loved one today and let them know you are thinking of them.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 8

Week 8 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the iconic seigaiha (青海波) pattern of layered concentric circles creating arches.

Throughout Japan’s design history, seigaiha has been used on maps, fabrics to ceramics.

According to JAANUS, the earliest known use of the motif dates back to a 6th century haniwa (埴輪) funerary clay figure that was excavated in Gunma prefecture. Beginning in the Heian Period, the pattern began to be used on mo (裳), a form of shirt worn with the twelve-layers juunihitoe (十二単) of kimono (着物). The Kamakura Period brought the pattern to Seto ceramic ware, or setoyaki (瀬戸焼), as well as to lacquerware.

As the name of the pattern literally means ‘blue sea and waves,’ seigaiha has come to symbolize tranquility. Waves in Japan are regarded as lucky omens, representing resilience, power and tactical strength.

Today, the seigaiha pattern is an expression of our desire for continued peaceful living and our hope that surges of good luck will come your way.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 7

Week 7 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the yagasuri (矢絣) or yabane (矢羽) pattern depicting feather fletchings of arrows.

Popular since the Heian Era, yagasuri/yabane was primarily used on men's clothing owing to the archery connection. However, in the Edo Period (1603-1868), the pattern came to be associated with weddings, and brides were given kimonos featuring the yagasuri/yabane pattern to serve as '“good luck charms” ensuring they would not need to return to their original family home.

The yagasuri/yabane pattern is also loosely associated with hamaya (破魔矢), the "demon quelling" arrows sold to ward off evil at shrines at New Years.

Ultimately, the yagasuri/yabane pattern has come to represent steadfastness and determination, as an arrow that is shot straight never comes back.

Today, the yagasuri pattern is an expression of our hope that, as we enter a new phase of the COVID-19 fight, we will not see a reversal of the progress that has been made to slow the growth of the virus.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 6

Week 6 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series celebrates Earth Day with the Nami-Chidori (#波千鳥) pattern of waves and birds.

‘Chidori’ (#千鳥) is the Japanese term for a plover, and ‘nami’ means wave.

The waves are a symbol of worldly concerns, and the chidori symbolize perseverance as they are known for having an ability to fly through strong winds and high waves during migration.

Therefore, it is said that chidori flying among the waves represents human ability to overcome challenges. Owing to its auspicious meaning, the pattern has come to represent family safety as well as the ability to achieve goals.

The chidori is a common motif used on kimono. While traditionally classed as a winter motif, the pattern is commonly featured on summer items to evoke the coolness of winter.

Moreover, given that the chidori’s cry is perceived as the sound “chiyo,” which can be writtern 千代 in Kanji, the chidori is considered a symbol of long life.

May the Nami-Chidori inspire us to "overcome the rough waves together" and persevere through these difficult times as we look to a future beyond COVID-19.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 5

Week 5 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the wavering sinuous design known as #Tatewaku (#立涌), or #Tatewaki, in Japan.

The vertical curvilinear lines, which bulge and narrow, are said to be auspicious as they evoke steam going up to sky, like mist rising off waterways in the spring. As a result, the pattern has come to be associated with the capacity to rise above life events and circumstances. 

During its infancy in the Heian period (794-1185), the design required advanced techniques to create; therefore, it was exclusively used for clothing of court nobles.

Many variations of the design have been created placing different motifs within the hourglass forms of the parallel waves. Popular combinations include clouds (kumotatewaku 雲立涌) and chrysanthemums (kikutatewaku 菊立涌).

As we stay home to stay safe, may the Tatewaku Pattern remind us that we all have the strength in us to rise each day and face the challenges we are presented. May the pattern also serve as a call to action to rise above the narrow confines of our personal concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 4

Week 4 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the stripe, known as #Shima (#縞) in Japan.

The simple vertical stripe pattern first began to be seen during the Muromachi Period (1336–1573).  However, unlike with other patterns, stripes were neither dyed nor painted on fabric but woven in.  As such, this pattern was worn primarily by upper-class aristocrats until the production of cotton fabrics began.

Variations of the stripe using chains or interlinking diamonds began to appear during the Edo Period (1603–1868).  The design was said to be used in the Yoshiwara District, which was known as the “playground of Edo.” The teahouses in Yoshiwara used curtains bearing the “Yoshiwara Tsunagi” (#吉原つなぎ) chain pattern. The pattern symbolized how the district drew you in and held you, like chains.

Despite the pattern’s rather colorful origins, it grew to have the positive meaning of “Yoshiwara Tsubaki” (#吉原つばぎ). Now, the chains represent the interconnectedness of the community, and the pattern is said to bring good luck.

In this challenging time, may the Shima Pattern remind us that we are all still connected despite being apart. 

Together apart, we will overcome this crisis.

Sources include: https://www.wargo.jp/user_data/yoshiwara_tsunagi.php & http://www.ikiya.jp/crest/sima/top.html

Wagara Wednesday--Week 3

Week 3 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the geometric #uroko (#鱗) pattern.

The word “uroko” is loosely translated as “scale,” and thus, the pattern of alternating dark and light triangles is said to represent the scales of a snake or dragon.

As snakes are known to naturally shed or molt scales, the pattern carries the meaning of repelling evil spirits and making way for new growth.

From ancient times, uroko has been used as a pattern with the effect of warding off bad luck. Uroko was also thought to have a protective quality when symbolizing a dragon on a kimono or obi. Samurai would wear clothing with the pattern as a talisman to protect themselves from harm. The shape-shifting folk character of Japanese Noh dramas, Kiyohime, also wears a kimono bearing this pattern.

This week, may the uroko pattern serve as protection against the growing pandemic.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 2

Week 2 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series highlights the geometric #Asanoha (#麻の葉) design resembling a hemp leaf.

Hemp has long been an important plant in Japan, as it served as the primary clothing fiber, along with silk, until the 16th century when cotton was widely produced in Japan.

Known for being robust and for growing quickly and straight, hemp came to represent growth and good health.  

The hemp leaf pattern began to be seen from the Heian period (794-1185).

Initially found on Buddhist furnishings, asanoha became widely incorporated into designs for textiles, particularly fabrics used for baby’s clothing as wish for a child to grow fast and strong. 

Connected to the ideas of children’s growth and health, the asanoha pattern is now viewed as a talisman having the power to overcome despair.

In the face of the current pandemic, may the asanoha pattern serve to keep us healthy and hopeful.

Wagara Wednesday--Week 1

To kick off our "Wagara Wednesday" series, we turn to the #Hyoutan (ヒョウタン) bottle gourd.

From ancient times, the bottle gourd has been a symbol of happiness or success as they were associated with divinities in the earliest of semi-mythical chronicles.

The gourd was also the battle ensign of one of Japan’s samurai heroes, Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1537-1598). #Hideyoshi was known to add a gourd to his ensign every time he won a battle, and as a result, the gourd became a symbol of victory.

Various gourd clusters have taken on other special meanings.

A set of three gourds is said to represent a well-rounded person. #三瓢箪 is pronounced “san-byoshi sorou,” and the pronunciation sounds like that for #三拍子揃, which literally means “meeting all three important conditions,” i.e., being ideal.

Ever more fortuitous is a grouping of six gourds. #六瓢is pronounced “mubyou,” which is also the pronunciation of the word meaning “disease free,” #無病.

In the face of COVID-19, may the gourd serve to eliminate disaster and keep us free of sickness.

Welcome to Wagara Wednesday

Welcome to the start of #WagaraWednesday (#和柄Wednesday)!

“Wagara” are traditional “Japanese patterns” that date back to the 8th century Heian period of Japan. Largely inspired by nature, the designs were used to decorate Japanese garments that were worn by nobles for different seasons and occasions.

Over the next several weeks, we will be introducing various historic patterns and their auspicious meanings.

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