Size 13 – SITTING – ICHIMATSU DOLL

 The doll wears a Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) which is designed with Sakura (cherry blossom) and Chou (butterfly) patterns. Obi (sash worn with a kimono) is dyed gold and designed with Botan (peony) or Houou (fenghuang) patterns.  A tradition says that cherry blossom is the symbol of rich harvest.  Butterfly pattern has been enjoyed for Kimono since Momoyama period (1568-1600) in Japan. Samurai loved this pattern not only the reason of its elegant appearance but also its meaning. Butterfly pattern symbolizes immortality so that it’s used for Samurai’s emblems.  Peony flower pattern represents happiness, wealth or perpetual youth and longevity. It has been expressed as one of the good meaning…

 The boy doll wears a Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) which is designed with Takarabune pattern. Obi (sash worn with a kimono) is dyed gold.  Takarabune is the sailing ship which loads straw rice bags or treasures. Sometimes the Seven Gods of Good Fortune is designed with it. It’s a good-luck talisman pattern and there is an ancient custom that putting a picture of Takarabune under the pillow to have a good dream on January 2 in Japan.  Matsu (pine tree) pattern is designed back of Takarabune. Pine tree keeps its green color throughout the seasons therefore its treated as a holy plant. The color combination of black and gold makes…

 The doll wears a Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) which is designed with variety of flowers patterns and the whole fabric is designed with Kikkou-Mon by white lines. Obi (sash worn with a kimono) is dyed red and Sakura (cherry blossom) or Kodutsumi (small drum) are woven on it.  Kikkou pattern describes the shell of turtle. It’s a geometric continuous pattern connecting regular hexagons up and down. Turtle lives a long life therefore turtle and turtle’s shell pattern represent longevity. It can be thought that Kikkou pattern has been familiar to people since ancient times.  According to a tradition, cherry blossom is the symbol of rich harvest. It’s said that is…