Introducing various arrangements of Yukiwa
Snow, a natural phenomenon, has been loved by the Japanese every year. It is used as material for games like snowball fights and snowman building, children's songs about snow are written, and snow is even used to express the transience of time. Japanese people seem to cherish the sadness of snow, which melts away as soon as it is formed. (The same can be said of cherry blossoms, which bloom and then fall as soon as they fall.) Going back in time, the "snow ring" pattern, which depicts snow, was created in the Heian period. The snow ring pattern has now become a traditional motif that is even incorporated into yukata and kimono. In this column, we will introduce the snow ring pattern.
The beginning of Yukiwa
When you actually look at a Yukiwa, it has the shape of a circle with six small depressions and a raised outline. It also seems to be modeled after the shape of a snow crystal that can be seen when snow is magnified. During the Heian period, falling snow was a symbol of good fortune, and was said to bring about a bountiful harvest. It was a welcome phenomenon for the people of that time. Then, in the Edo period, when snow was magnified, it was discovered to have a shape that resembled six petals, and it came to be known as "Rokka." The Yukiwa pattern became well-known among the common people during the Edo period. It was apparently popular among common people, especially women, at the time.
・Various arrangements of snowflake patterns
Since the Yukiwa crest was created, it has been incorporated into kimono and yukata patterns, perhaps because it resembles a flower or is easy to use as decoration. It has also been given a variety of arrangements, such as layering multiple pieces like the Seigaiha pattern, shading, or incorporating patterns within the Yukiwa, and today there is a wide variety of yukata patterns using Yukiwa. Seeing it used regardless of the season, it is amazing to see the design ability of those who were able to create such a pattern from the shape of snow. If you are interested, why not take a look at the many yukata that use Yukiwa patterns?
・Introduction of snow ring pattern yukata
We would like to introduce you to some yukatas that incorporate the snow wheel pattern featured in this column. There are many elegant yukatas with floral patterns and pale snow wheel patterns. Some of them are great value sets that include a yukata, obi, and geta sandals!
