Patterns on Kimonos and Their Meanings

Patterns on Kimonos varies greatly from simple to lavish, depicting flora, fauna, items from every day lives, and geometric shapes. Japanese people may not be particularly religious, but they are generally spiritual and superstitious. The beautiful Kimonos are adorned not only with decorative patterns, but most of them have meanings. Here are some we see often, and what they mean.

Cherry Blossom -Sakura

Cherry blossom is one of (the other being chrysanthemum) national flower of Japan. There are many depiction of Sakura on Kimonos and it signifies beginnings.

Chrysanthemum -Kiku

Another of national flowers of Japan. Chrysanthemums have medicinal properties and were once used as medicine. It signifies perpetual youth and longevity, integrity, and virtue.

Peony -Botan

Peonies were specially loved by the royals and nobles in ancient Chinese cultures. Peony signifies nobility and sincerity.

Peony printed vintage Kimono silk kinchaku by KIMONO KOMONO

Butterfly -Chou

Butterfly is one of few insect motif appearing on Kimonos. It signifies success and immortality.

Peafowl -Kujaku

Peafowls eat venomous snakes and toxic plants without apparent harm to themselves, so they are believed to repel negative energy. Peacocks are also used as a symbol of fertility.

Peacock feather printed vintage Kimono silk scarf by KIMONO KOMONO

Open Fan -Oogi / Senmen

Because of its shape which is wider at one end, it signifies good luck, prosperity, and development. Hence it is a pattern often seen on Kimonos worn on celebratory occasions.

Fan printed vintage silk Kimono kinchaku by KIMONO KOMONO

Crane -Tsuru

Crane is an auspicious symbol with meanings such as happy marriage and longevity. It is often seen at weddings.

Pine, Bamboo, & Plum Trees -Shouchikubai

These are three plants that live through harsh winters. Pine signifies longevity, bamboo life force or growth, and plum (blossoms in winter) grace or elegance.

Checkered Pattern -Ichimatsu

Checkered pattern that goes on without a break symbolizes forever lasting, and prosperity.

Geometric Waves -Seigaiha

Depicting ocean waves that goes on forever, it signifies everlasting happiness, or everlasting calm life.

Hemp Leaves -Asanoha

Hemp is a plant that grows tall quickly. The pattern is also similar to scale pattern (Urokomon) which symbolizes to repel evil spirit, or to protect. Hemp pattern signifies healthy growth of child and protection.

Running Water -Ryusui

The running water pattern often seen in combination with other elements means pureness and repellent of evil or fire.

Blue crepe silk kimono scarf by KIMONO KOMONO

Basket Weaves -Kagome

The basket weaves also looks like six-point-stars. Hence it is a symbol of evil / bad luck repellent and an invitation to good luck.

Auspicious Clouds -Zuiun

Clouds brought rain, and with it good harvest. Hence they were believed to be vessels for gods or mountain wizards. The Zuiun pattern symbolizes a positive omen.

Floating Clouds -Kumotori

Different from Zuiun, Kumotori depicts clouds with various patterns inside them. As above, this is also a positive omen, and especially signifies carefree life and reincarnation.

Turtle Shell -Kikkou

Kikkou is a depiction of turtle shell in continuous geometric pattern. It signifies longevity.

Below is an example of combination pattern: this one has Shouchikubai (pine, bamboo, plum), Kagome (basket weave), Ryusui (running water), and Kumotori (floating clouds).

There are many more, and these symbols are usually combined on Kimonos and Obis. On Kimonos, they are hand-painted. When you see Kimonos, I hope this knowledge helps you to imagine the wishes and hopes of the artists.