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 third one is "checkered pattern", or "ichimatsu pattern".
What kind of pattern is the checkered pattern? Why is it auspicious?
The checkered pattern is a lattice pattern of alternating squares of two colors.
This pattern can also be seen on the clothing of Haniwa clay figurines excavated in Saitama Prefecture from the Kofun period (mid 3rd century to late 7th century), indicating that they have been popular since ancient times.
In Japanese, it is called Ichimatsu pattern. It is derived from the Kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu.
Until then, it had been called " arare (hail)" or "ishidatami (stone pavement)" because it was the pattern of the stone pavement in shrines.
During the Edo period, when kabuki flourished as a form of entertainment for the common people, Sanogawa Ichimatsu, who became popular by performing "Takano Shinju," gradually came to be called Ichimatsu pattern because he wore a hakama with alternating white and indigo squares.
The ichimatsu pattern has the meaning of eternity, prosperity, and development because it continues uninterrupted from side to side.
The emblem design adopted for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games was an adaptation of this checkered pattern.
Do you all remember? If you have forgotten, please check here.
▼Tokyo 2020 Brand
https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/tokyo-2020/logo-design
The design is beautiful, of course, but considering its significance, the designer's idea of using the checkered pattern as a motif, is wonderful.
Handicrafts designed with a checkered pattern
This pattern is often used in traditional Japanese crafts. For your reference, here are some of the pieces we carry at Takumi Japan.
Tereid-shaped kaleidoscope checkered pattern hand-painted red Kutani Bitoen
It is a ceramic and kaleidoscope of Kutani ware, which is rare in both material and shape.
The checkered pattern is red and white. It is a color combination that is celebrated in Japan. This piece was made using high quality crystal lenses.
Round tea tray, Checkered, Medium- Akita cherry bark work
Checkered largr sake cup -Tokyo silverware
The silver is divided into a matte square and a shiny square with two types of hammers to create a contrasting checkered pattern. It is a work that requires high skill.
Entrust your wishes for business prosperity to the checkered pattern
The checkered pattern, which has the meaning of eternity, prosperity, and development, has been used since ancient times to pray for the prosperity of descendants and business prosperity.
If you are in business, why not display, use, or wear checkered pattern items in your office for good luck?
By the way, the pattern on the kimono of Tanjiro Kamado, the main character of the world-famous manga ``Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)'' is also a checkered pattern. There seems to be an episode about ``Tanjiro and Fumi Ichimatsu'', so if you are interested, please check it out.
Takumi Japan
https://japantakumi.com/en