A Piece of Old Katazome: Roundels and Auspicious Symbols

early twentieth century
20 3/4" x 13", 52.5 cm x 33 cm

This short length of indigo dyed katazome cotton is loaded with auspicious symbols.

Rendered in roundels are two motifs each of which conveys a wish for a long life, the tortoise and the crane are shown here.

Also part of the design are depictions of pine, bamboo and plum, a motif triad known as shochikubai: shochikubai is a classic, auspicious pattern and it is often used for cloth to be included in a bridal trousseau.  The plum is the first bloom to burst forth from the winter's ice and is symbol of strength, the bamboo bends but does not break so it is a symbol of resilience, and the pine, of course conveys a wish for longevity.  Also, pine needles fall in pairs, and thus they are a motif often used at weddings.

Still bright and clear this pattern is a fortuitous one to keep in one's home and is a classic of Japanese symbology.