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Feng Shui Motifs in Japanese Textiles

MOTIFS IN VINTAGE JAPANESE TEXTILES
Let's take a look at designs appearing in vintage kimono and obi, and the meaning and symbolism behind them. Those of you who value the magnificent artistry of life will find this area of Japanese art truly fascinating. Once you start learning about what various objects mean, you will recognize them as you peruse our kimono. The textiles take on a deeper dimension of significance when the meaning in its creation is known. *Click HERE* to read about Mon - Japanese Crests**
Feng Shui Motifs
Phoenix This magnificent mythical creature symbolizes benevolence, wisdom, immortality, and feminine energies. It never injures any living thing, alights only in the Paulownia tree, eats only bamboo seeds, and drinks only from sacred springs.
Carp (Koi) The fish most commonly used for Japanese decorative purposes is the carp. Because these fish had to leap in treacherous waters to spawn, they were chosen as symbols of vigor and endurance. On May 5, Boy's Festival is celebrated with carp banners floating gracefully against the sky on bamboo poles.
Dragon This mighty dragon represents the supreme enemy of nature and power. As the rain giver if refreshes the earth, bringing happiness and prosperity to humanity. The Japanese dragon has three claws, whereas the Chinese has four. Contrary to popular opinion, a kimono with a dragon on the upper back is usually a Chinese garment, and not Japanese.
THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER Bamboo, pine, and plum blossoms are some of Japan's most popular auspicious motifs. They are oftentimes seen in graceful patterns on kimono and obi textiles. Combined as a trio, they make up what is known as the "Three Friends of Winter."They are usually used individually, but occasionally, you can find the three friends together in one textile, like the example to the right. Bamboo The graceful flexible stalks of this beautiful plant gives bamboo its significance as a symbol of endurance and longevity. Pine The tree stays green all year round, even in deep snow, and so it is regarded as a symbol of auspicious long life, and good fortune. Legend says that a pine lives a thousand years. Plum Blossoms These blossoms brave the icy chill of winter to bloom before all flowers. It is a traditional symbol of resilience and fortitude.
Cranes One of the most revered animals in Japanese art is the crane. This elegant bird is highly sought after as an auspicious symbol. It is a longevity motif because legend says that a crane lives a thousand years.
Hoju This is a spherical jewel that gives one their heart's desire. Buddha is sometimes seen holding one. Hoju are also associated with shrines. This very spiritual symbol is rarely seen on kimono textiles, but can be spotted occasionally on obi textiles if you observe carefully.
Overlapping Circle Pattern This popular pattern is called shippo, and oftentimes appears on kimono & obi textiles. The overlap is equal on all four sides, and various art motifs ranging from very simple to very ornate are used in the circle centers.
Hemp Leaf Pattern This pattern is made up of hexagrams that resemble the leaves of the hemp plant. The god of hemp is said to have created hemp and given man the ability to weave the hemp cloth. Hemp leaves were used in early times as religious offering at shrines, and were also burned to light the way for departed spirits.
Mon - Japanese Crests
Everyone is fascinated by the beautiful, artistic emblems that appear on some kimono. The use of mon has a complicated and colorful history spanning nearly a thousand years. The first mon are said to be used by Japans Imperial Court during the Heian period (794-1185). It was during the Muromachi period that the mon was extended from the aristocracy to the common class. Throughout history, the use and significance of mon varied greatly according to the era. Mon has been used to classify royalty, samurai, merchants, families, etc. Sometimes mon were awarded to a warrior for outstanding courage. This was considered so prestigious that this honorary mon took the place of the family mon. Kabuki actors developed their own mon, and had their mon compiled in books called mombanzuke. Even prostitutes had their own mon, and they were listed in books called yujo hyobanki, along with their services! Imperial mon were displayed with honor during the Edo period (1600-1867), and many who had not received the privilege forged family records to falsely wear the mon. Contrary to popular opinion, a mon is not simply a matter of one mon design being connected to each Japanese name. Any Japanese-American who has tried to locate their family mon has probably discovered this fact. Sometimes one finds that a great-aunt rearranged a leaf on their family mon simply because she liked it better that way. There were times in ancient Japan when there were mon books available, and anyone could select a mon and have it applied to a formal kimono. Because there are no formal rules for transferring mon, few people today know the exact history of their mon. Modern mon are a combination of family heraldry and fashionable design. With so many variations, the number of mon exceeds several thousand today. Many excited customers have come up to me at our shows to show me the kimono they found. "I cant believe I found my family mon!" is what they usually exclaim. Frankly, I am surprised that so many people know what their mon looks like. Since family names are not listed in the most popular mon book Japanese Design Motifs (Dover Pictorial Archive Series), those that know probably did some digging for the information. It is wonderful that people take the time to study such fascinating parts of themselves.

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