Bamboo

Bamboo Silhouettes, Koju Yamashita, Hanakata Pattern Album, c. 1900.

One of the fastest-growing plants in the world, bamboo, or take (竹), is as strong as any wood from a tree and just as durable. Bamboo sprouts anew every January and their sprouts are considered lucky for growth if eaten in the new year. Because of this, the bamboo and its sprouts are a symbol of growth and endurance.  

Bamboo grows quickly and abundantly, often reaching impressive heights in a short period. This rapid growth has led to bamboo being associated with prosperity and abundance in Japanese culture. The bamboo motif on kimono can thus symbolise wishes for growth, success, and prosperity in various aspects of life.

Kabuki Actor in Bamboo Kimono, Utagawa Toyokuni III, c. 1861.

In Meiji Japan, bamboo symbolised resilience, strength, and adaptability, qualities that were highly valued as Japan underwent profound social, political, and economic changes. Bamboo's ability to bend without breaking in the face of strong winds served as a metaphor for the Japanese people's resilience in navigating the challenges of modernisation and globalisation.