Title
- Surface pattern (waritsuke monyō 割付文様), plant pattern (shokubutsu monyō 植物文様): parts of blue ocean waves (seigaiha 青海波) with hemp leaves (asa no ha 麻の葉), scattered pine needles (matsuba chirashi 松葉散らし) and with bamboo on horizontal rows of ichi no ji tsunagi 一の字繋ぎ (brick pattern) and lined kanzemizu 観世水
Collection
Period | Style | School
Material | Technique
Inventory number
- OR 3925-8411
Acquisition
- assumption, 1907
Department
- Asia Collection
Description
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Seigaiha 青海波 („blue ocean waves): a pattern that can be found in many regions of the world. In Japan it can be found on Haniwa robes from the Kofun period (approx. 300-538). But only since the Kamakura period (1185-1333) has the pattern been associated with water (e.g. Koseto jugs). The name seigaiha 青海波is said to go back to a title of a Gagaku dance.
Asa no ha 麻の葉 (hemp leaves): a hexagonal pattern called asa no ha 麻の葉 because it resembles the hemp leaves. A hemp plant is robust and grows straight up. Therefore, the pattern is said to have been preferred for the clothes of the newborns. It is not only found on kimonos, but also on obi, under kimonos and small pouches.
Pine needles (matsuba 松葉) usually grow in pairs and are held together at the base by a needle sheath. The motif of pairs of needles below the pine tree is considered a symbol of marital love and harmony.
Bamboo (CHIKU/take 竹) is valued for its straight and strong growth. Since its does not wither even in winter, it represents immortality and longevity or strength, but also purity.
Ichi no ji tsunagi 一の字繋ぎ: lit. "connection of Chinese character 一".
Kanzemizu-mon 観世水文, originally a family crest of the Nō dynasty Kanze 観世 depicts a water swirl. The appearance of Kabuki actor Gen’nosuke 源之助, the later Sawamura Sōjūrō IV. 四代目沢村宗十郎 (1784-1813), as Komamono Yashichi in a robe with a kanzemizu pattern led to the motif becoming fashionable.
Bamboo (CHIKU/take 竹) is valued for its straight and strong growth. Since its does not wither even in winter, it represents immortality and longevity or strength, but also purity.
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stencil (katagami 型紙), Surface pattern (waritsuke monyō 割付文様), plant pattern (shokubutsu monyō 植物文様): parts of blue ocean waves (seigaiha 青海波) with hemp leaves (asa no ha 麻の葉), scattered pine needles (matsuba chirashi 松葉散らし) and with bamboo on horizontal rows of ichi no ji tsunagi 一の字繋ぎ (brick pattern) and lined kanzemizu 観世水, Anonym, MAK Inv.nr. OR 3925-8411
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https://sammlung.mak.at/en/collect/surface-pattern-waritsuke-monyo-割付文様-plant-pattern-shokubutsu-monyo-植物文様-parts-of-blue-ocean-waves-seigaiha-青海_358983
Last update
- 22.01.2025
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