Kimono Explained #2 - Floral Patterns

What is the most attractive aspect of kimono? 

It could be the unique shape, the rich history, or perhaps the deep cultural significance. But for me, I think it’s the patterns on the fabric that truly captivate. Each one tells a story, rich with meaning and history—offering a glimpse into the past while continuing to shape modern kimono designs.

This month on Kimono Explained, we’re focusing on one of the most beautiful and symbolic categories of kimono patterns: floral designs. There are countless types of flowers that are used on kimono fabrics, and they are as varied as the seasons themselves. For this post, we’ll take a closer look at 10 popular floral patterns, each with its own story and symbolism. I'll also be sharing photos of the kimonos I have reworked so far!

 

1. 桜 Sakura - Cherry blossom

• New beginnings
• Renewal
• Beauty
• Transience of life

The cherry blossom is one of the most popular floral pattern of all time. Its emergence in spring, a time of rebirth makes it a symbol of fresh beginnings. It also symbolises beauty and transience of life due to its delicate beauty and short lifespan. 

The cherry blossom has always been such a big part of Japanese culture, it's even in the Samurai spirit: cherry blossom embodies a different facet, their short yet glorious bloom mirrored the Samurai code of Bushido, emphasising honour, courage, and living life to the fullest.

 

2. 梅 Ume - Plum blossom

• Resilience
• Beauty
• Perseverance
• Good fortune
• The arrival of spring

The plum blossom is known as the Flower of Peace. Due to its ability to bloom during the harsh winter months, it symbolises resilience, perseverance, and strong beauty. 

It is also one of the "Three Friends of Winter"- 松竹梅 Sho-Chiku-Bai (Pine, Bamboo and plum blossom). This traditional motif "Sho-Chiku-Bai" is often used in Japanese art, New Year's decoration and other celebrations as a symbol of good fortune. The idea originates in China, and was brought to Japan during the Heian period (794 - 1185).

 

3. 杜若 Kakitsubata（or あやめ Ayame）- Iris

• Protection from evil spirits
• Strength
• Health
• Beginning of summer

杜若 Kakitsubata or 菖蒲 Ayame (= iris) is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The plant's upright leaves and strong growth are seen as symbols of strength and vigour. The kimono with Iris patterns are often designed with river, symbolising the early summer, and suited for May - June in Japan.

The iris is also famously referenced in the "伊勢物語 Tale of Ise", a famous work of Japanese literature where it appears through clever wordplay. A notable design featuring the iris and a bridge is called 八ツ橋 (Yatsuhashi), which translates to “Eight Planks of Wood.” This name comes from a scene in the Tale of Ise, where characters sing a poem about the beautiful iris flowers blooming by a bridge made of eight planks of wood in the place called 八ツ橋 (Yatsuhashi) which is located in Aichi prefecture.

*Fun fact - Aichi prefecture is where I'm from!

 

4. 菊 Kiku - Chrysanthemum

• Longevity
• Rejuvenation
• Royalty and the Imperial family
• Autumn

The chrysanthemum patterns on kimonos can be found in a wide variety of designs, ranging from realistic depictions to more stylised representations. Realistic floral designs are often worn in the seasons that they represent and the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn. However, the pattern of chrysanthemum is often worn all seasons. It  is the Imperial Family's emblem, and its motif is also used on the Imperial Seal of Japan.

 

5. 椿 Tsubaki - Camellia

 

• Infinite beauty
• Nobility
• Strength
• Protection from evil spirits

The camellias are deeply rooted in Japanese nature, blooming from winter through spring, and are considered an essential flower of Japan. Japanese people have loved and cherished it for centuries as a sacred talisman due to its ability to stand and bloom beautifully even in harsh winter.

The design of the camellia was loved by the noble class during the Heian period (794-1185), and still is one of the most popular designs for the modern kimonos.

 

 

6. 牡丹 Botan - Peony

• Wealth and prosperity
• Nobility
• Beauty
• Good fortune

The peonies are known as the "king of a hundred flowers" and are associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The large, vibrant blooms of peonies make them a striking and elegant choice for kimono designs, and are often used on formal kimono such as Furisode and Homongi (you can learn about different types of kimono in the first post of Kimono Explained ). The peonies are often paired with other flowers and animals in kimono design.

 

7. 紫陽花  Ajisai - Hydrangea

• Friendship
• Family and unity
• Patience
• Heartfelt emotion
  
• Summer

As the hydrangeas bloom beautifully and patiently during the rainy season in Japan to midsummer, the flower symbolises strong patience and beauty. The meaning of friendship/family/unity comes from the way many small flowers form the hydrangea.

It is also known to bring financial and romantic luck. The design is often used on Yukata (summer kimonos) as it represents the season.

 

8. 向日葵 Himawari - Sunflower

• Deep affection
• Passion
• Loyalty
• Summer

The sunflower, with its vibrant yellow petals and sun-following nature, symbolises love, passion, and loyalty. As a strong representation of summer, sunflower patterns are commonly seen on Yukata (summer kimonos), capturing the warmth and energy of the season.

The sunflower is believed to have been introduced to Japan from Europe in the late 1600s, making it a relatively new motif compared to other traditional floral patterns that date back to the Heian period (794-1185).

 

 

9. 薔薇 Bara - Rose

• Red: love, passion
• Pink: kindness, gratitude
• Blue: hope
• White: innocence, respect

The pattern of rose is one of the newest designs to be introduced to kimono. As the idea of the language of flowers are quite well known, each colour represents different meanings.

This pattern gained a large popularity during the kimono fashion phenomenon called "Taisho Roman" - a cultural and intellectual movement of Japanese Romanticism during the Taisho period (1912-1926). Western-inspired designs, such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements were incorporated into kimono patterns, using vibrant colours and bold designs. These styles are still popular to this day and often labeled as the modern kimonos.

 

10. 朝顔 Asagao - Morning Glory

• Strong bond
• Short lived love
• Transience of life
• Summer

朝顔 Asagao translates to "morning face" in Japanese, reflecting the flower's habit of opening in the morning and closing in the evening. Its short lifespan and delicate beauty make it a potent symbol of the impermanence of things, a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. 

It's believed that Morning glory was brought from China to Japan during the Heian period for medical purposes, and later in the Edo period (1603 - 1868) it became one of the popular designs for kimono and other everyday items such as hair combs and fans. As a symbol of summer, it's often used on Yukata (summer kimonos).

 

 

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I hope you enjoyed learning about the beautiful floral patterns on kimonos and found it as fascinating as I do! Each design has its own unique story, and it’s always fun to discover the meanings behind them.

So, which floral pattern is your favourite?🌸  I’d love to hear your thoughts! My favourites are ... the plum blossom and the camellia! (This took me a while to decide)

Stay tuned for next month’s Kimono Explained, where we’ll dive into even more patterns and stories—there’s still so much to explore!

Talk soon x

Maki