This pattern represents ocean waves, with the name literally translating as "blue ocean waves."

While many patterns are abstractions of real things, this “matsuba” pattern is very similar to the actual thing.

Although hemp has largely been stigmatized by the world since the end of WWII, hemp was a permanent part of cultures throughout the world for up to 10,000 years.

While fans don’t have a specific meaning when used as a pattern on kimonos, the patterns inside them, if any, carry the meaning.

What are these rhombus shapes on your kimono? We cover the history and some styles of this pattern.

This is a very common pattern on men’s kimonos, but is still used in many unique ways on women’s kimonos, obis, and other accessories. If you’ve seen a tortoise before, you will understand where the kikkou pattern originated.

We will be updating this post with links to each new blog post that describes kimono patterns.

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