Symbols and Meaning in Japanese Traditional Crafts
From the refined lines of a lacquered bowl to the delicate patterns etched into Edo Kiriko glass, traditional Japanese crafts do more than serve a function—they carry meaning, history, and spirit. Each motif, or monyō, embedded into these works is a symbol: of nature, of the cosmos, of the virtues that have shaped Japanese life for centuries.
In this article, we explore the meanings behind these timeless symbols as expressed in Japanese traditional crafts—glassware, lacquerware, ceramics, and textiles—each item available in our online store.
Glassware – Fragile Yet Eternal
In our collection of Edo Kiriko cut glass and hand-blown glassware, you will find motifs like asanoha (hemp leaf), seigaiha (ocean waves), shippō (seven treasures), and ichimatsu (checkerboard).
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Asanoha (麻の葉): A geometric pattern representing hemp leaves. Valued for their fast, strong growth, hemp leaves symbolize health, vitality, and protection.
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Seigaiha (青海波): Overlapping waves that evoke peace, calm, and the eternal flow of life. Frequently seen in summer-themed items.
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Shippō (七宝): An interlocking circle design symbolizing harmony and infinite connection. Its name means "seven treasures," derived from Buddhist teachings.
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Ichimatsu (市松): A checkerboard pattern made famous in Edo-period textiles. It represents continuity and balanced prosperity.
Edo kiriko Lidded cup “Overlapping circles”
Edo Kiriko Heat Resistant Glass
Edo glass Tumbler “Taisho Roman” Checkered
Browse our Grass collection
Lacquerware – Serenity with Every Use
In our lacquerware collection, you will find auspicious motifs such as cranes, turtles, and the classic trio of pine, bamboo, and plum (shōchikubai)—symbols of longevity, resilience, and joyful endurance. The deep, subtle glow of urushi lacquer enriches your everyday table with timeless elegance.
Holding a lacquered bowl or plate is not just a sensory pleasure—it is also a meditative moment, connecting you to nature, history, and the harmony at the heart of Japanese aesthetics.
Symbol Guide
Tsuru and Kame(鶴亀):
"Cranes and turtles (tsuru and kame) are two of the most auspicious creatures in Japanese culture, often appearing together as a symbolic pair of longevity and good fortune. The crane is said to live for a thousand years, and its graceful appearance has made it a symbol of peace, fidelity, and sacred presence. The turtle, believed to live ten thousand years, represents steady endurance, wisdom, and protection.
Together, the crane and turtle embody wishes for a long, harmonious life, and are frequently featured in weddings, New Year’s art, and traditional crafts. These motifs remind us not only of life’s blessings, but also of the value placed on stability, patience, and enduring beauty in Japanese aesthetics."
・Crane (鶴): A symbol of long life and fidelity. Said to live 1,000 years, it represents auspicious beginnings.
・Turtle (亀): A creature of longevity, thought to live 10,000 years. It represents endurance, wisdom, and good fortune.
Shōchikubai (松竹梅):
"Shōchikubai" (pine, bamboo, and plum) is also widely used in Japanese culture as a graceful way to indicate ranking or tiers. For example, on restaurant menus, you might see 'matsu' (pine) for premium, 'take' (bamboo) for standard, and 'ume' (plum) for basic. Unlike a strict hierarchy, this system reflects a uniquely Japanese value: that all levels—like the symbols themselves—carry auspicious meaning and inherent beauty."
・Pine (松): Evergreen strength and endurance.
・Bamboo (竹): Flexibility and upright character.
・Plum (梅): Resilience and hope, blooming even in late winter.
Explore our Lacquerware collection to bring quiet strength and serenity into your daily rituals.
Pottery – Embracing Imperfection
Japanese pottery celebrates irregularity, natural textures, and the individuality of each piece. In our collection, you’ll find works such as Kiyomizu-yaki from Kyoto, Arita-yaki from Kyushu, and Shigaraki-yaki from Shiga—each with its own unique charm and cultural depth.
Kiyomizu-yaki is known for its elegant, hand-painted designs and refined forms, often used in tea ceremonies and seasonal dining. Arita-yaki, one of Japan’s oldest porcelain traditions, features intricate, vibrant overglaze paintings, combining delicacy with durability. In contrast, Shigaraki-yaki embraces rustic textures, warm earth tones, and ash glazes that speak directly to the wabi-sabi aesthetic—beauty in imperfection and age.
Common motifs include bamboo for resilience, plum blossoms for hope, and hand-carved waves symbolizing flow and adaptability. These ceramics are more than vessels—they invite moments of quiet reflection in everyday life.
Tea Bowl "Golden Bamboo"
Arita Ware Medium-sized Decorative Plate with Gold Leaf "Bamboo" Size 6
Discover our curated Pottery collection and explore the philosophy of imperfection.
Kimono & Yukata – Wearing Meaning
Traditional Japanese clothing—especially kimono and yukata—offers more than style. It tells a story. From formal kimono embroidered with mythic creatures to summer yukata printed with nature-inspired designs, every element carries cultural significance.
Patterns are not chosen randomly. They reflect the seasons, wishes for the wearer, or philosophical ideals. Whether it is the youthful vibrancy of a cherry blossom yukata or the protective strength of a dragon-emblazoned kimono, these garments allow you to wear meaning itself.
Our textile selection blends tradition with contemporary sensibility, making it easy to introduce symbolic elegance into modern life. Browse our kimono and yukata collection and find the pattern that resonates with your own story.
Symbol Guide
Sakura (桜): The fleeting cherry blossom symbolizes transience and renewal. A motif for youth, beauty, and seasonal joy.
Crane (鶴): Commonly used in celebratory wear, it conveys grace, fidelity, and auspicious fortune.
Dragon (龍): A powerful mythological being, guardian of waters and bearer of wisdom. Often seen in men's kimono.
Bamboo (竹): Resilient and upright, it represents growth and moral strength. A summer favorite.
Conclusion: Living Symbols
In Japan, beauty and meaning are never far apart. Whether etched into glass, carved into lacquer, shaped in clay, or dyed into fabric, traditional crafts offer not only aesthetic pleasure but also stories of hope, harmony, and mindfulness.
Explore the collection at Kyoto Handicraft Center and bring home a piece of this living culture—crafted with care, rich in spirit, and filled with meaning.