図柄Motif library
Motifs and what they mean.
24 traditional motifs. Filter by kind or method, or search by name, kanji or placement.
Koi鯉
2–6
Perseverance. The carp that climbs the waterfall becomes a dragon.
Dragon龍
6–20
Wisdom and protection. A water spirit, never a beast of fire.
Tiger虎
4–12
Courage, and a guard against bad luck and disease.
Snake蛇
3–8
Renewal and protection. Sheds its skin, keeps its secrets.
Crane鶴
2–5
Long life and fidelity. Cranes are said to live a thousand years.
Fox狐
2–6
Cunning and the divine. Messenger of Inari, shape-shifter, trickster.
Foo dog唐獅子
3–10
Protection. The lion-dog that guards the gate and drives off evil.
Peony牡丹
1–4
The king of flowers: wealth, boldness, a full life.
Cherry blossom桜
1–3
Beauty in transience. Here, then gone.
Chrysanthemum菊
1–4
Longevity, and the crest of the imperial house. Autumn's flower.
Maple leaves紅葉
1–2
The turning of the year. Leaves in the water, autumn light.
Lotus蓮
1–4
Purity out of mud. The flower of the Buddha's seat.
Plum blossom梅
1–3
Endurance. The first flower to open, while there is still snow.
Waves波
2–12
Motion and change. The background that binds a body suit together.
Wind bars風
2–8
Movement without water. The black bars that make a sleeve read as one piece.
Hannya般若
2–5
The mask of a woman turned demon by jealousy. Also a ward against evil.
Fudō Myōō不動明王
6–16
The immovable wisdom king: sword, rope, and a halo of flame.
Tengu天狗
3–8
The mountain spirit: proud, dangerous, a teacher of swordsmen.
Oni鬼
2–8
The demon at the gate. Frightening on purpose, to keep worse things away.
Clouds雲
2–10
The sky behind dragons and deities. Softens every hard edge.
Rocks岩
1–6
Ground. Something for a guardian to stand on and water to break against.
Bamboo竹
1–4
Strength that bends. The tiger's forest.
Pine松
2–6
Steadfastness. Green through every winter.
Flames火焔
1–5
Purifying fire. The heat that burns off what holds you back.