25 Free Prints of Beautiful Traditional Japanese Patterns and Designs

Inside: A collection of traditional Japanese patterns, surface pattern designs, and meanings, all rooted in Japanese culture. These patterns are in the public domain and are free to print, showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese art forms.

The history of Japanese patterns and textile designs is a fascinating tale of creativity and cultural exchange, especially during the Edo period (1603-1868). Japan’s isolation allowed for the development of distinct cultural elements, such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints, kabuki theatre featuring kabuki actors in elaborate costumes, and tea ceremony culture. These influenced Japanese textiles’ vibrant and often geometric designs, featuring motifs like cherry blossoms, hemp leaves, and symbols of good fortune and long life.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan’s interaction with the West introduced new influences, leading to more subdued naturalistic patterns, including plum blossoms and representations of bad luck and tranquillity. This period also saw the use of cotton and wool alongside traditional fabrics, enhancing the variety of Japanese fabrics.

The traditional prints here focus mainly on those from the Meiji period, like the Kono Bairei’s birds and flowers.

The Meaning Of Traditional Japanese Patterns

The Meiji period also saw the introduction of the Jacquard loom, enabling intricate patterns such as the rinzu pattern, featuring repeating geometric motifs. Japanese designs in the early 20th century were influenced by European Art Nouveau, leading to a style known as “Japonisme.”

The Most Popular Patterns

Here are examples of traditional Japanese traditional patterns. Each type of pattern has a unique story and symbolism:

1. Seigaiha is a simple pattern of concentric circles symbolizing tranquil waves, representing good luck and prosperity. It is a symbol of wealth.
2. Kikko Pattern – a hexagon shape resembling a tortoise’s shell, symbolizing longevity and good fortune.
3. Asanoha pattern – resembles the hemp leaf, forming a geometric, star-like motif. It symbolizes growth and health and is commonly used in traditional clothing, particularly for children, to wish them a robust and vibrant life.
4. Tsuru is a pattern of cranes that symbolizes good fortune and longevity. This migratory bird is prevalent in textiles, ceramics and other art forms.
5. Shippo Pattern – interlocking circles, symbolizing the “Seven Treasures” of Buddhism; which include gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, agate, coral, and pearl.
6. Sakura – a pattern of cherry blossoms, representing renewal and the fleeting nature of life.

More Pattern Designs

1. Ume – a plum blossom pattern, symbolizing perseverance and beauty in adversity.
2. Yagasuri Pattern– diagonal lines resembling arrows, symbolizing resilience.
3. Tatewaku – swirls resembling ferns, symbolizing growth and natural beauty.
4. Mizuhiki – a pattern of knots, symbolizing good luck and friendship.
5. Kumihimo – a pattern of braided cords, symbolizing unity and creativity.
6. Kusa Pattern – a grass pattern, symbolizing the beauty of the natural world.  It is a symbol of the beauty and impermanence of life.
7. Kiku-zukushi is a pattern that features lots of Chrysanthemum flowers.
8. Tsubaki pattern features the Camellia flower, depicted in various stages from buds to full blooms. This pattern symbolizes love and beauty.
9. Matsu pattern prominently features pine trees, symbolizing longevity, endurance, and eternal youth. Traditional Japanese textiles and art often use this pattern to convey wishes for long-lasting happiness and steadfastness.
10. Kagome Pattern: This resembles a woven basket with a simple geometric pattern forming hexagons. It’s often found in bamboo crafts and textiles, symbolizing strength and good luck.
11. Kanoko Pattern: These simple designs are related to a Japanese tie-dye technique. It resembles small dots or spots, similar to those on a fawn’s back, and is commonly seen in traditional Japanese kimonos. The Kanoko pattern represents elegance and high status.

The Komon pattern is a type of traditional Japanese fabric design. It features tiny and detailed motifs that repeat all over the fabric. These tiny patterns can be of many things, like plants, animals, or geometric shapes.

Looking at it from a distance, the fabric often resembles just one colour. Initially, this pattern was worn by Samurai, known for being elegant and subtle. Today, it’s used in kimonos and other garments, as well as in modern fashion and interior design.

How To Download The Designs

Click on the title above the very old pattern you want. A higher-resolution image will open in a new window on your browser. Click on that illustration, and you will be able to print and save it.

All the beautiful patterns featured here are in the Public Domain, so they are copy-right free.

Patterns & Designs From Kyūko zufu

Kyūko zufu is a famous Japanese design book known for its stunning illustrations of traditional Japanese patterns, inspiring generations of artists and designers.

One of the most distinctive features of Kyūko zufu is its use of rich, vibrant colours. The illustrations in the book are printed using a unique technique known as benizuri-e, which involves wood block printing multiple layers of paint.

Kyūko zufu was incredibly influential and helped spark a renewed interest in traditional Japanese patterns and design. Its impact can still be seen today, as many contemporary designers continue to draw inspiration from this iconic book’s stunning patterns and illustrations.

The prints below are from the a collection at the Smithsonian Libraries.

Pattern 1 : Blue Red

Patterns 1 -8

The small red pattern is an example of a “Kachō”, which means “flowers and birds”, and “ga”, which means “picture” or “painting.” Kachō-ga is a popular Japanese art and design motif featuring realistic and stylized depictions of various flowers and birds.

Pattern 2 Flower On Blue Hexagons

The pattern in the background is an example of Kikkou a repeating pattern of hexagons resembling a tortoise’s shell.

Pattern 3 Canes

Pattern 4: Three Flower Motives

The Kiri pattern features a repeating pattern of paulownia flowers and leaves. It is a symbol of nobility, strength, and endurance.

Pattern 5: Flower & Leaves

Pattern 6

Print 7: Checkerboard and Flowers

The Ichimatsu pattern features a repeating pattern of squares, resembling a checkerboard. It symbolises balance, harmony, and the Buddhist concept of the Middle Way.

Pattern 8

Japanese Patterns 9-16

Pattern 9: Flowers and Colourful Geometrics

In the middle of the colourful flower pattern design are some diamond shapes. The Hishi pattern features a repeating pattern of diamond shapes, which resemble the scales of a fish. It is a symbol of good luck and protection from evil.

Pattern 10: Birds and Waves

A classic example of Seigaiha, a wave design of concentric circles that resemble ocean waves.

Print 11 Flowers and Waves

Kiku : Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the sun and are often associated with longevity and loyalty.

Pattern 12: Hexagons and Flowers

Pattern 13: Sea shells

Seashell patterns can be found in various Japanese art forms, including pottery, lacquerware, and textiles. They are often incorporated into designs alongside other natural elements, such as waves, fish, and flowers, to create a sense of harmony and balance.

1. Scallops (Hotate-gai): Scallops are a fan-shaped pattern and a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
2. Abalone (Awabi-gai): Abalone shells are a symbol of good fortune and safe travels.
3. Clams (Hamaguri-gai): Clams are a symbol of contentment and harmony in the home.
4. Cowrie (Tawara-gai): Cowrie shells are a symbol of money and wealth.
5. Conch (Horagai): Conch shells are a symbol of communication, as they were traditionally used as a horn to signal important messages.
6. Oyster (Kaki-gai): Oysters are a symbol of fertility and family harmony.
7. Snail (Katatsumuri-gai): Snail shells are a symbol of longevity and good health.

Pattern 14: Colourful Birds Geometrics

Kumiko (Wooden lattice): Kumiko is a geometric pattern with a wooden lattice design. It represents bringing order to chaos and is often used in interior design.

Pattern 15 Geometric Flowers

Pattern 16; Crane on Blue

Patterns 17-25

Print 17 Butterflies

Ume-gaeshi (Reverse plum blossom): Ume-gaeshi is a pattern that features plum blossoms and butterflies. The butterflies in this pattern are depicted with their wings folded as if they are resting on the plum blossoms. The design symbolises the coming of spring and the renewal of life.

Pattern 18: Flowers on Red

Pattern 19: Leaves on Yellow

The Karakusa pattern features a repeating pattern of scrolling vines, leaves, and flowers. It is a symbol of prosperity, longevity, and fertility.

Print 20: Cranes & Geometrics

Print 21: Flowers and Leaves

Pattern 22: Curves

Pattern 23: Blue Flowers

A traditional Japanese flower pattern on vines is called “Karakusa“. It is a popular Japanese art and design motif featuring scrolling vines with leaves and flowers. It has its root in Chinese pattern design. The pattern is often used to decorate various objects, such as textiles, ceramics, and lacquerware.

Pattern 24: Geometric Birds

Pattern 25 : Vines on Red

Other Sources of Japanese Patterns

There are some further collections on the site that you should check out. The first is from the Shin Bijutsukai, an influential Japanese art and design magazine that played a crucial role in shaping the course of Japanese art and design during the early 20th century.

The magazine championed traditional Japanese arts and crafts and helped to create a sense of national pride and identity among Japanese artists and designers.

The second is Watanabe Seitei’s prints featured in Bijutsu Sekai. The magazine focused on Japanese art and featured articles and illustrations of the work of Japanese artists.

More Japanese vintage art and images are featured on the site. This includes Kusakabe Kimbei’s stunning hand-coloured photographs of Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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