The Swastika: in Europe, especially in Germany, most people know it as a right-wing symbol of the Nazis, Hitler’s emblem and banner of the “German Empire” below which crime and war were brought to our world. However the symbol had originally a complete different meaning. [reference]

Sayagata Pattern

Sayagata is a design pattern of interlocking swastikas, manji 万字 (卍).

Most sources agree that the term (a contraction of sa-ayagata, meaning “gossamer figured-cloth pattern”) originated from the type of cloth on which it was most often found.

It occurs first perhaps in ancient Indian architecture, but did not enter Japan until the Tenshou 天正 era (1573-92) when Chinese fabrics bearing the pattern were first imported in large quality. In the Edo period, it was commonly used on figured satin and combined with designs that featured chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, bamboo, or orchids. It also appeared on the borders of rugs, blankets and tablecloths. [reference]

White Kimono with Sayagata Pattern

This tiled pattern can be found in many places across Tokyo and Japan, and is quite a common spot once you are actually looking out for it! It is a very common pattern on the white Kimono’s worn at wedding ceremonies, it is used as a decorative pattern for floor tiles, and I’ve also seen it as a pattern on drain covers. Going back in time a little, it was also a common symbol for Japanese Samurai to wear on their armour.

With reference to tattoos, it becomes a popular pattern to be used on any kimono wearing characters that you might be having tattooed.

Geisha Tattoo with Sayagata Pattern

And lastly this is also the cool pattern that I use on not only the background of the tattoo-tokyo blog, but also for the background of my twitter page! If you’re not following me, then please do so!! TWEET TWEET….