THE MEANINGS WOVEN IN
蜀江
shokkō
A wish for calm that spreads out to the four corners.
Octagons and Squares
Calm days →01
Where it comes from
Octagons and squares are set side by side and linked up, down, and across. The name comes from the Shu River in the land of Shu in China, where thread for a famous brocade was said to be rinsed, or by another account dyed a brilliant red. The brocade came to Japan in large numbers in the Muromachi period, and in time rich red brocades of octagons and squares came to share its name. The octagon was seen as a shape that gathers heaven and earth, reaching out in eight directions to settle the land.
02
On the cloth
Shokkō brocade has held flowers or dragons inside its octagons. As a shape that settles the land, it is used for the robes of Okina, a sacred piece performed in Noh and at shrine rites in the hope of peace for the country. On obi, octagons framing stylized flowers have been woven into maru obi. One account says the armor of the four guardian kings who protect the Buddha was built up with this pattern of octagons and squares.
03
To give
Shokkō suits a move to a fresh place, or a year that marks a turning point. It is for someone who hopes the days around them stay settled and calm.
A word to keep
蜀江錦
shokkō nishiki
Shu River brocade. A rich brocade, mostly red, of octagons and squares, named after the river.
Two questions
What does the Octagons and Squares (蜀江) pattern mean?
A wish for calm that spreads out to the four corners. Shokkō suits a move to a fresh place, or a year that marks a turning point.
Where does the 蜀江 pattern come from?
Octagons and squares are set side by side and linked up, down, and across. The name comes from the Shu River in the land of Shu in China, where thread for a famous brocade was said to be rinsed, or by another account dyed a brilliant red.
