Checkerboard and the Olympics

~ Morisa Collection Review No. 10 ~

The Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan from July 24, 2020.
This time, we will be looking into the checkerboard pattern that is also used in the emblems of the Tokyo Olympics and Tokyo Paralympics!

*At Morisa, the pattern name is " Ichimatsu Rakusui " which expresses falling water.

<About the checkered pattern>
Ichimatsu-Rakusui = A type of lattice pattern, with two colored squares or rectangles arranged alternately. Also known as a checkered pattern, it has been used in clothing, crafts, and architecture since ancient times, but it came to be called "ichimatsu" after Kabuki actors used it as a pattern for the hakama of their stage costumes. Because it is a pattern that continues endlessly up, down, left, and right, it is treated as an auspicious motif for the prosperity of descendants and business expansion.

The "Kumiichimatsumon" pattern used in the Olympic emblem
The design combines three differently shaped squares to convey a message of "diversity and harmony" that shows that despite the differences that exist between countries, cultures, and ideologies, they are connected to each other, representing the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a place where diversity is recognized and the world is connected.

(Reference sites: Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games "Tokyo 2020 Games Emblem" , Wikipedia "Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Emblem" , Wargo "What is the "Japanese" feeling in the checkered pattern?" )

The meaning behind the checkered pattern is "connection"
This pattern, which has been used since ancient times, will likely become known not only to people in Japan but to people all over the world through the Tokyo Olympics.
A gift for someone is a symbol of your connection with that person. Why not try incorporating a checkered pattern into your gift wrapping?

<About color>
4 standard colors - Cotton (white), Black, Azuki, Tea 3 discontinued colors (while stocks last) - Lemon, Young Grass, Kiyotaki

The checkered pattern, often used in textiles, has been selected to bring out the Japanese image. The discontinued colors are light in color, so they are recommended for use as cover paper.

*We can also dye it in navy blue, which is also the emblem of the Tokyo Olympics, so please contact us for details .

Finally, we'd like to introduce some of the checkered waterfall pattern products available at Morisa!
・Small roll/white Rakusui washi paper ...a popular item!
You can cut it to your desired size. Lace-like washi paper is recommended for wrapping. Japanese pattern bag/Ichimatsu : washi paper bag made in a color not available in flat paper. This product is available only while stocks last, so hurry up. Pure white laminated sachet : Laminated drawstring bag. This one piece is sure to add a touch of luxury to small gifts.

There are other products with the checkered waterfall pattern available, so if you're interested, head over to LadyRisa Tosa Washi now!

We look forward to your gift wrapping ideas.
If you have any ideas on how you used it or would like other people to know about it, please send us an email.
(May be featured on the blog)

Next time I will introduce you to spirals.