In kimono design, the red-crowned Japanese crane was usually imbued with an auspicious meaning. It symbolises not only peace, loyalty, gratitude, and wisdom, but also reflects the wearers’ prospects for eternal youth and longevity. Its association with the kikko pattern, characterised by a hexagonal design reminiscent of a tortoiseshell, reinforces this symbolism by evoking the Japanese saying, “Cranes live a thousand years, tortoises ten thousand.”
Bamboo, known as take (竹) in Japanese, is a symbol of growth and endurance. Renowned for its resilience and flexibility, bamboo can withstand harsh weather conditions and bend without breaking. The bamboo motif on kimono is hence a popular choice for garments worn during times of challenge or transition.
The kanoko design is based off the spots on a fawn deer and is one of the most popular Japanese patterns. The motif consists of a repeated diamond pattern with small white spots inside.The pattern was extremely fashionable in the Edo period, and it was seen as a status symbol of wealth as the patterns were time-consuming and costly to produce.
