By NHK Educational
The Mark of Beauty : NHK Educational
【The Patterns of Edo】PrologueOriginal Source: Takatora shoten
The traditional designs of Edo remain popular today, including the checkerboard, ocean waves, basketry, and netting patterns.
Point 1 — Repetition
One characteristic of the patterns of Edo is the repetition of a single pattern. Endless rows of chrysanthemum blossoms. Though the orientation might change, the form and shape comprise a single pattern.
【The Patterns of Edo】RepetitionOriginal Source: Daimatsu dyeing factory
Point 2 — The playful spirit of Edoites
An ukiyoe print depicts the bustle in front of a garment textile emporium in Edo (present day Tokyo). The technique of stencil dyeing developed during the Edo period (1603–1868), during which time makers competed over the most innovative designs.
The meticulous but whimsical ethos of these Edoites can be seen in their komon (fine patterns). Edo komon textiles look almost like solid colors from far away, but when viewed up close, they reveal countless tiny dots and shapes.
A checkered kimono with rows of small squares in two colors.
If you look carefully, you see that the small squares are actually comprises of numerous tiny dots.
A pattern made up of countless fine dots. When you look closely, you see that these dots actually form the Chinese characters meaning "flowers, birds, wind, and moon"—referring to the beauties of nature.
【The Patterns of Edo】Fine patternOriginal Source: Saotome dyeing factory
Endless rows of fine dots. When you look closely, you see that ... each is a cherry blossom pedal. The meticulous character of the people of Edo gave rise to the tiny, intricate patterns known as komon.
paper pattern stencilOriginal Source: Komiya dyeing factory
Point 3 — Stencils that express particular professions or brands
Over time, Edo komon textiles became integrated into the daily lives of the Edo populace. Edoites began insisting on wearing the same pattern as their colleagues to increase their sense of camaraderie.
A jacket with a particular profession or the name of a store ledt in undyed reserve is called a shirushi hanten (branded jacket).
【The Patterns of Edo】Branded JacketNHK Educational
Edo komon patterns embody the spirit of Edoites.
Cooperation:
Takatora shoten
Komiya dyeing factory
Daimatsu dyeing factory
TOBACCO & SALT MUSEUM
Ichie
Saotome dyeing factory
Photography by Tadayuki Minamoto
Music by Kazuki Sugawara
Supervised by
Maezaki Shinya, Associate Professor, Kyoto Women's University
M. Rinne, Kyoto National Museum
Produced by NHK Educational Corporation
©NHK2017
