Monyo 文様
Monyo is a Japanese traditional pattern that often seen on Kimono(Japanese traditional wear), pottery and Origami-paper. It is said that many were originally introduced from China in the Heian period(794-1185) and arranged later with Japanese scenery and items in their life.
WA-gara means a sequencing design of combination of Monyo. Here are very common WA-gara Monyo designs.
Nature- Shizen 自然
There were four seasons, called Siki, in Japan. Spring -Haru 春, Summer -Natsu 夏, Fall -Aki 秋, winter -Fuyu 冬.
Monyo-design with seasonal flowers and trees were created for not only natural beauty of it also their symbolic means.
Sakura 桜
- - Spring
- - one of Japanese representing flower
Kiku 菊
- - Fall
- - was introduced as a medicinal plant and became a symbol of long life
Ume 梅
- - New Year, First sign of Spring
- - often patterned with Pine-Matsu and Bamboo-Take
Karakusa 唐草
- - famous pattern for Furoshiki, Japanese wrapping cloth
- - often patterned with flowers
Blue waves
Seigaiha 青海波
- - named from Japanese traditional Noh-play costumes has that Monyo
- - often layout with Plover-Chidori bird
Waritsuke 割付
Waritsuke is a design technique that layout continuous pattern with lines and shapes, often limited to within an area of box and combine with several other patterns to create unique yet fine art.
Shippo 七宝
- - Symbolized "Harmony/Fortune" from the combination of circles
- - Shippo means seven treasure
Asa-no-ha 麻の葉
- - created with continuous diamonds from hexagon
- - Asa-no-ha means a hemp leaf named after its strong growth and believed as a amulet
Hishi 菱
- - Rhombus
- - several variations with lined and flowers
Ichimatsu 市松
- - named after Ichimatsu, kabuki-actor had the designed costume in Edo period(1680-1800)
- - also called a stone pavement for the beauty of regularly arrangement
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