If you were born and live in Japan, you have probably seen, touched, and even worn a kimono at least once. While some kimono fabrics are plain, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word kimono is the Japanese pattern, which depicts gorgeous and delicate Japanese materials.
Japanese patterns have existed since the time of the Japanese envoys to the Tang and Sui dynasties, but it seems that the patterns we know today did not become what they are in the mid-Heian period. Japanese patterns were born during the heyday of Heian culture, during the reign of Fujiwara no Michinaga, who made a name for himself as regent, when waka poetry, stories, and essays were developing and the culture of harmony was beginning to take shape.
Wagara is a type of pattern, and a series of these patterns is generally referred to as wagara. Many of them feature plant or Japanese motifs, and each pattern has its own meaning. They can also be used as a reference for the season and location when wearing a kimono.
Furthermore, over the years, a variety of Japanese patterns have been released that are not limited to traditional designs. Recent designs include skulls, and with the boom in Sengoku warlords, there are even patterns based on family crests. I think what makes Japanese patterns so interesting is that, while they have been around for a long time, they also have unique designs that are unique to each era.
