Kiku-karakusa

kiku-karakusa

It is one form of arabesque pattern. The floriated arabesque with chrysanthemums is called kiku-karakusa.

The kiku-karakusa pattern can be seen on a special zabuton designed for Buddhist memorial services which is called ‘hoyo-zabuton.’ The hoyo-zabuton comes in blue or red with the motif of golden chrysanthemums.

In the Heian period, the kiku-karakusa pattern became popular among the court aristocracies.

In the Edo period, the futon with this pattern became available for the ordinary people as well.

In the Meiji period, the crinkled fabric with embroidery of kiku-karakusa design became popular.