Auspicious Kumiko Motifs

The art of 'kumiko zaiku', which has been passed down for over 1000 years since the Asuka period, is laden with rich history and deep meaning. The motifs themselves express our wishes for our lives and our loved ones: protection, prosperity, and connections with others. Enrich your life with the blessings from ancient times, created mindfully piece by piece by our skilled artisans.

 

 

Asa no Ha　（麻の葉） A classic Japanese motif, Asa no Ha with it’s distinctive hexagonal shape has been used in the decoration of Buddha statues since the Heian period (794~1185AD). Growing upright and swift, it came to have the meaning of wishing for children’s healthy growth. In addition, because it has been considered a sacred plant which bugs do not touch, it has the meaning of protection and guarding against misfortune.

 

 

 

 

 

Tsuno Asa no Ha (つの麻の葉） An ornate version of Asa no Ha, it retains the same meaning of protection and healthy growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaku Asa no Ha (角麻の葉） A square version of Asa no Ha, it has the meaning of strength and stability in addition to protection and healthy growth.

 

 

 

 

 

Goma Gara (胡麻柄） This beautiful geometric design represents the cross-section of a sesame seed. Sesame is known for its health benefits and has a history of being used in medicine for longevity, so Goma Gara signifies a wish for health and long life.

 

 

 

 

Rindou (竜胆） The elegant Rindou is a motif of gentian, or bellflower. Since it is joined in a circle, Rindou signifies a link--thing to thing and person to person--and the ties that bind people together. It shows our wish for strong connections and good relationships with others.

 

 

 

 

Sakura Kikkou (桜亀甲） This geometrical design combines a turtle-shell shape with a brilliant sakura blossom pattern. In Feng Shui, this shape has long meant good luck and the accumulation of wealth, so Sakura Kikkou shows our wish for prosperity and good fortune.