Traditional Japanese designs, or "Wagara", are traditional Japanese patterns. They are history designs, each with a specific meaning, originally created for decorating traditional garments. The patterns that date back to the 8th century Heian period of Japan, are largely inspired by nature and were crafted using techniques from painting and Chinese calligraphy. They were worn with purpose for different seasons and occasions. However, in the last century this language of pattern was being lost as younger generations shed traditional dress for more westernized clothing. This spurred the use of "Wagara" in homewares and fashion accessories in an effort to prolong the dialect of these traditional Japanese patterns, making them just as relevant and usable today.
鶴: TSURU
In Japan, the crane (Tsuru) is a common symbol representing longevity and good fortune. It is typically represented with the tortoise. There is a phrase saying Tsuru wa sen-nen, Kame wa man-nen; A crane a thousand years, a Tortoise ten thousand years. Initially, Tsuru was used only for high-ranking families. Over the years, it has often been combined with other patterns representing auspiciousness.
中国をはじめ、鶴は日本で長寿の象徴とされています。古来、他の文様との組み合わせによっては、地位の高い人の物でもありました。他の吉祥文と組み合わせて文様化されたものも多いようです。
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亀：KAME
桜：SAKURA
Sakura is a popular Japanese pattern, representing cherry blossom petals. A symbol of spring, it is also commonly used throughout the year. Cherry blossoms are a common symbol of Japan, and also of beginnings as they bloom at the start of the school year.
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紗綾形：SAYAGATA
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椿：TSUBAKI
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千鳥:CHIDORI
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兎：USAGI
Rabbits are a particular symbol in Japan. There are two common stories. One is Inaba no Shirousagi; The White Rabbit of Inaba. In one part of the story, the rabbit challenges the sharks to see whose clan is larger; the rabbits or the sharks. The sharks line up over the ocean, and the rabbit counts them as he jumps along. It is actually just a trick to use the sharks as a bridge to cross the ocean to Inaba. Ever since, this has been a popular motif. The other common story is of the rabbit living on the moon. Like the European "man in the moon", in Eastern mythology there is a rabbit in the face of the moon. In Japan, this is a rabbit pounding mochi rice cakes. The word for "making mochi", mochizuki, sounds very similar to "moon mochi", mochitsuki.
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雪輪：YUKIWA
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井：IGETA
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松葉：MATSUBA
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鱗：UROKO
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桐：KIRI
