Asa no ha

Recognizable by Japanese of any age the asa no ha pattern is a traditional motif found in textiles, clothing, ceramics, and wood.

Powerful symbolism follow this pattern, an older name is kingusa [lit: clothes herb] it predates cotton in Japanese industry. Symbolically, because it grows quickly, straight, and quite strong, Japanese children are often swaddled in hemp fabric. A child’s first kimono would likely have the asa no ha print on it.