Many people are attracted by the patterns on them when they admire kimonos or Japanese gays, but they have no way of understanding the meaning and history of those patterns.
In fact, the name of those patterns is "and handle".
（via.haa.athuman.com）
For example, the symbol of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which everyone is familiar with, uses a handle, blue and white city pine pattern. (Although it was very much complained about...)
（via.olympics.com）
The square lattice of the two colors is evenly interrelated. Ichimatsu pattern first appeared on the Tsukiwa (a general term for plain pottery), and was subsequently used in the dyeing fabrics or household patterns of monasteries, and became widely popular during the Edo period.
Since the city pine pattern is constantly repeated and unfinished, it symbolizes "never ending, endless". Japanese people feel that the ichimatsu pattern has the meaning of praying for good luck such as prosperity and development.
The feather weave of The protagonist of the Oni Blade, Tanjiro, is also a Ichimatsu pattern
Having seen the Ichimatsu pattern, you may also be interested in the Japanese "waka" aesthetic
Today, Xiaojiu will introduce you to what is the "handle", and what other common handle styles there are
Japanese "Japanese Pattern" Aesthetics
The so-called "waka handle", which means "traditional Japanese pattern style", is a regular arrangement of patterns.
Handles are commonly found in traditional crafts, patterns of yukata robes, and Chiyo paper. In particular, there are many traditional Japanese patterns for souvenirs purchased by foreigners when they travel to Japan.
（via.www.nengahonpo.com）
And the history of the handle?
It is understood that the origin of the now common wastring can be traced back to the Heian period of Japan. At that time, Japan integrated the Chinese Tang Dynasty culture with its own unique design culture, and centered on the nobility, gave birth to the unique "washi" design of the Yamato nation.
During the Edo period, patterns derived from Kabuki performers gradually entered the human eye, promoting the further evolution and development of washi. After that, the Yamato nation, which is naturally easy to trigger emotions for all things in nature, has turned the four seasons of rain and flowers, plants, birds and animals into regular and symbolic beauty and handles on the basis of inheriting history.
Representative types, meanings and characteristics of the handle
There are many types of handles, but here are a few of the Japanese favorite handle styles, so let's see which ones you know!
"I" pattern
（via.spicomi.net）
A handle style that is combined by a regular arrangement of oblique "worker" characters.
The continuous "work" word is connected together, which means "endless and long-lasting". Therefore, the pattern is generally used to pray for "family prosperity, health and longevity". This pattern is often found on the fabric of kimono.
Arrow feathers
（via.do-cca.com）
This pattern is based on the feathers of birds of prey such as eagles and eagles inserted in the shaft of arrows.
The arrow can be "in one arrow", which has been a symbol of auspiciousness since ancient times. In the Edo period, when a daughter got married, she would use a kimono with an arrow feather pattern as a dowry to make a good head.
In the late 1970s, the girlish manga "Lady" exploded, and the protagonist of the manga, Hongxu, was dressed in a kimono with an arrow feather pattern and purple culottes when he was a student, which is still common at today's Japanese graduation ceremonies.
Shippo pattern
This pattern is composed of overlapping circles by dividing the circles into four equal parts (inexplicably thinking of our copper coins). Some people feel that the middle part is like a shining star, and some people feel that the overlapping part looks like petals, which varies from person to person.
However, no matter what it is, it seems to have a continuous and auspicious meaning, which makes people think of the reproduction of children and grandchildren, the consummation of husband and wife, and so on.
Chidori pattern
The pattern of a flock of thousands of birds flying. Chidori is actually a general term for birds of the "Plover family" that prefer to inhabit areas near the water, with a short beak and a very small body shape. In the intimate appearance of the two thousand birds, people placed the beautiful wishes of husband and wife, home and all things happy.
In addition, the Chidori grid that appears on many clothes now is derived from this (in fact, it is a simplified version of the Chidori pattern).
Tortoiseshell pattern
Derived from the hexagonal carapace of a turtle symbolizing longevity. It is reported that the turtle shell was actually introduced to Japan from China, and this pattern was very popular from the Heian period to the Kamakura period.
The hexagonal carapace of the turtle, which symbolizes longevity, has the meaning of exorcism and protection, auspicious longevity, and is commonly used in weapons and kimonos.
Pine veins
The Japanese have long believed that long-lived pine trees have gods inhabiting them. This idea is also related to the fact that pine trees do not fall leaves all year round. In addition to the Japanese pattern, matsu is also used to make door pines and act as gods. Pine pattern has the auspicious meaning of prolonging life and opening up luck, and is a very popular pattern.
Treasure pattern
It is a pattern and pattern made of treasures such as ruyi jewels, treasures, mallets, gold bags, dings, invisibility cloaks, hidden kasa, garlands, and gold letters.
Originating from the Chinese "Eight Treasures" (stone chimes, silver ingots, jewels, corals, ancient coins, ruyi, rhino horns, conchs), the "Eight Treasures" of the Muromachi period were introduced to Japan, and after integrating with Japanese culture, they came into being, which is a very auspicious pattern.
Cherry blossom pattern
（via.kimono.cc）
A pattern of cherry blossoms or their petals scattered. Japan is the land of cherry blossoms, so the application of cherry blossom pattern elements is very common, and the cherry blossom pattern is endowed with a beautiful wish for prosperity, abundant grain, and good fortune.
Hemp leaf pattern
Hemp is a very tenacious plant, so the Japanese have always used it to make clothes for newborns and children, hoping that children will thrive.
The hemp leaf pattern is a geometric pattern arranged on the basis of a regular hexagon. After the hexagon is cut, it looks like the pattern of the hemp leaf, so it is called "hemp leaf pattern".
The history of the hemp leaf pattern can be traced back to the Heian period, and the Giant Thin Buddha statue enshrined in the temple at that time had a hemp leaf pattern.
As an indispensable handle in Japanese culture, it has lasted for a long time, and with the continuous evolution of the times, it shows the Japanese people's intention to observe all things, and the simplicity and elegance of the handle and the beauty of the artistic conception are also admirable.
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