November 2019 - Affordable Kind Craft

Japanese Sashiko Motifs

Japanese Sashiko Motifs reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing ornamentation and intricate design. They serve as a visual language conveying values, stories, and aesthetic sensibilities, transcending mere decoration. Infused with symbolism, these meticulously crafted figures adorn various objects, from clothing to household items, embodying the interconnectedness of art, culture, and daily life.

Central to Japanese embroidery is the belief that ornaments are integrated into a larger context, filling spaces with beauty and meaning. From simple geometric designs to elaborate motifs inspired by nature or mythology, these patterns reflect humanity’s impulse to create and embellish, addressing the fear of emptiness.

Woven with influences from indigenous traditions, religion, and neighboring cultures, the history of Japanese embroidery patterns spans centuries. They evolve over time, adapting to changing tastes and societal values while retaining timeless appeal. These patterns encapsulate Japanese culture, bridging past and present, and inspiring global audiences with their beauty and significance.

The term “ornamentation” refers to figures and patterns intended to beautify objects.

Ornaments never stand on their own. They always rely on a foundation. Ornamentation is said to be a solution to man’s intrinsic fear of emptiness and his need to fill vacuums. Thus man has valued ornamentation since primitive times, and has employed decorative patterns which reflect the tastes and values of the day.

The majority of figures and patterns are simplified representations of human perspectives on nature and the world, structured and organized within defined parameters. Within Japanese designs, there exists a diverse array of patterns, some modeled on real objects while others symbolize natural occurrences.

little-stabs — Seven Treasures Sashiko Pattern

Family Crest of Tokugawa (3 inward-pointing, circularly enclosed hollyhock leaves)

Sashiko Blue and White Quilt Art of Japan by Kazuko Mende and Reiko Morishige.

Indigo and Sashiko

The word “Indigo” in Japanese evokes special feelings – of both fondness and nostalgia – among many Japanese people.

Indigo is actually the name of a plant. First introduced to Japan from ancient Egypt via China at around the 3^rd century A.D., it has been cultivated as a source of dye since then. Cotton dyed in indigo is strong, warm in winter, cool in summer and rarely moth-eaten. Cotton dyed indigo fabric became popular throughout Japan during the Edo period (1603 – 1867). But while the dyed fabric itself needed little care initially, extracting the dye from plant was quite a troublesome and time consuming task. And it took more effort than for other natural dyes to keep indigo in usable condition.

The life cycle of indigo dye is said to resemble that of a human being.

Soaked indigo leaves are strained though a nylon mesh bag

In the beginning, indigo in a pot is pale in color. As it matures, it becomes darker in color until it ends its life as a dye. Like man, indigo is born, grows, matures and ages. In fact, according to a Japanese saying, nursing a pot of indigo is as difficult as bringing up a child. Although today our work is made easier by the existence of chemical dyes colored indigo, the dye extracted from the indigo plant is still highly valued.

Sashiko Embroidered Shirt

The pattern craft called “sashiko” was originally employed to make sturdy, warm work-clothes. In order to clothe their husbands in outfits that were both warm and strong, the wives of farmers and fishermen sewed together two or more pieces of fabric and lovingly adorned them with original designs. These patterns were passed on to later generations and their use eventually spread throughout Japan.

Using such traditional materials as indigo-dyed cloth and through the use of the simple technique of sashiko, we have fashioned artistic works which suit contemporary lifestyle.

This article is extracted from Sashiko Blue and White Quilt Art of Japan by Kazuko Mende and Reiko Morishige.