麻の葉 | Asanoha | Hemp Leaves | Patterns #2

Asanoha is said to resemble the shape of the leaf of the hemp plant leaf in its geometric patterning and has been used to decorate Buddhist statues since the late Heian period (about 1100). 麻 being Hemp and 葉 leaf. The triangle on it own was said to work as a protective charm, and the grouped triangles in Asanoha therefore is said to keep away yokai. The pattern can represent healthy growth, vigor, resilience and prosperity, with the 6 triangles forming the pattern seen as particularly auspicious.[5] Asanoha is used today in Ranma (panels), textiles and graphic design.[1] Asanoha was popularised as a pattern by Kabuki actors from 1605 onwards, which made it a popular pattern to watch Kabuki shows in the Edo period such as Iwai Hanshirou V (1776-1847) and used both as a full and background motif.[4][6] 

Kanbara (Utagawa Kunisada)

Asanoha was used as a pattern since the Sengoku period as the hemp plant was commonly worn by lower classes as it was a cheap and durable plant to grow. It therefore made up the bulk of commonfolks kimono for the time until cotton was introduced in the early Edo period; it was the poor womans silk. Hemp is known as well as a common medicinal plant for alleviating pain, it is also known as a sturdy material which grows upright, as well as a durable plant, and can be used to make rope for instance. Because of its durability, hemp was associated with being healthy or living a long life and was often used on children's kimono in the hope they would grow up sturdy and strong. Today hemp and Asanoha are used for yukata.[2][3]

Reference List

[1] https://www.tanihata.co.jp/english/monyou/asanoha.htm 

[2] http://project-japan.jp/asanoha/#:~:text=It's%20a%20pattern%20that%20has,wish%20for%20children's%20healthy%20growth.

[3] https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00478/traditional-japanese-patterns.html

[4] https://www.lavenderhome.co.uk/pages/the-meaning-history-of-traditional-japanese-patterns

[5] https://polinacouture.com/en/the-meaning-of-patterns-on-japanese-fabrics/

[6] https://www.dokidokikimono.com/kimono/kimono-patterns-asanoha-%E9%BA%BB%E3%81%AE%E8%91%89/

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