May 81 min read

Patterns from the Path - An Interpretive Scavenger Hunt

by Gwyne Shore and Jessica Conn

Japanese design principles, deeply rooted in tradition and culture, often emphasize simplicity and harmony with nature. This is evident in the elegant patterns found in kimono and yukata textiles. These patterns, meticulously crafted and often derived from nature, embody a respect for the simplistic balance and asymmetry found in the natural world.

The katagami stencils featured in Japanese Design: Textile through Patterns (Frances Blakemore, 1978) serve as a visual archive of these intricate designs, once essential tools in the creation of Japanese textiles. While industrialization has rendered these stencils obsolete, their legacy lives on in contemporary kimono designs, whose patterns are elegant and timeless.

a museum curator holds a textile stencil, called katagami, in their hand. — From the Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture's katagami collection

As you stroll through our garden, we encourage you to engage your senses and see if you can find these patterns around you as you explore.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to identifying these patterns in nature. Let your intuition guide you as you explore our garden, and feel free to share your discoveries on social media.

By engaging with these patterns on a deeper level, you're not only connecting with Japanese design heritage, but also celebrating the harmony between art and nature!