What are traditional Japanese patterns?
In Japan, there are many traditional patterns that have been familiar since ancient times and have been used on various items such as clothing and furnishings.
Originally influenced by Chinese culture from the Asuka period to the Nara period, Japan's own interpretations and designs eventually emerged, creating a rich variety.
Patterns depicting familiar plants and animals, as well as motifs considered auspicious, include wishes for health and prosperity.
Objects decorated with such patterns must have brought peace of mind and pleasure to people's daily lives in the past.
We will gradually introduce traditional Japanese patterns that have never faded away and continue to color our daily lives.
The second one is "seigaiha".
What kind of pattern is the Seigaiha? Why is it auspicious?
The seigaiha (Blue ocean wave) pattern is a pattern that depicts endless calm waves with a wish for happiness and peaceful living that continues into the future.
The pattern is based on a series of concentric arcs that overlap like scales, resembling the crests of the waves of the ocean, and is known as the auspicious pattern.
Seigaiha patterns are often used in Japan as patterns for kimonos, yukata (summer kimonos), and obis. It is also popular as a pattern for Japanese goods such as furoshiki (wrapping cloth), tenugui (hand towel), and gama-guchi (handbag).
The name "seigaiha" is said to have originated from a gagaku (court music) performance in the Heian period (794-1185) in which dancers wore costumes with this pattern.
Handicrafts designed with Seigaiha pattern
Seigaiha patterns are often used in traditional Japanese crafts. For your reference, here are some of the pieces we carry at Takumi Japan.
Reproduction of Rosanjin, Kutani style, Hand-drawn - Kutani Bitouen, Eisyou Teramae, Kutani ware
Demitasse cup & Saucer, Plover - Kutani ware
Clasp coin purse, Plover on wave carving, 4-sun size - Kamakura carved lacquerware
This unique clasp coin purse is made by applying lacquer to a wood-carved seigaiha pattern and fusing it with leather. Here, too, plovers are designed together.
Wishing for a peaceful life, incorporate the seigaiha pattern into your daily life
The plovers depicted in two of the above works, along with the seigaiha pattern, are also known as auspicious motifs.
The plover flying with the waves means "to overcome together with the waves" and is considered a symbol of domestic safety.
It's kind of more and more auspicious!
Knowledge of these episodes can double your pleasure in buying and using them.
Hoping for a long and peaceful life for your family, how about incorporate seigaiha patterns into your daily life?
Takumi Japan
https://japantakumi.com/