This is the first installment in a series I'm calling Origins. It of course has nothing to do with the X-Men comic series or any other superhuman reference where their origin is concerned.
I am referring to the origins of symbols and patterns we constantly see in the sphere of design. But despite their prevalence, many of us are unaware of their wider history and significance.
It has been said that we need to look at the past to understand the present, and I believe this is particularly true of design history. There are many symbols used in design that have their origins in ancient and modern cultures. These have evolved, becoming more stylized over time.
Some symbols have lost their meaning, or the meaning has changed due to shifts or developments in society.
Contemporary design still uses many of these symbols. This is possibly due to the fact they're instantly recognizable, and because they are globally understood.
It could be observed that symbols from the past have been revived as part of a trend or to give historical context. There are also a cases where they have been used effectively to revitalize a current design.
Historic symbols tend to be simplistic in form making them just as relevant and usable today.
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Let’s begin with Japanese symbols and patterns, because I’m a little obsessed. Japanese symbols and patterns have become popular in the past few decades in Western design. Many of us have seen these symbols on kimonos, t-shirts, signs, interiors, fashion and in other facets of design.
The symbol I would like to focus on in this installment is the seigaiha (wave).
Vintage Japanese Kimono Light Vermilion NAGOYA OBI sash Wave Silk available at kimonoya-japan.netThe seigaiha or wave is a pattern of layered concentric circles creating arches, symbolic of waves or water and representing surges of good luck. It can also signify power and resilience.
The wave symbol or motif was originally used in China on ancient maps to depict the sea. In Japan its earliest appearance was on the clothing of a 6th century haniwa (funerary terracotta clay figure). It continued to be used as a symbol on clothing, particularly kimonos, for over a thousand years. Throughout Japan’s design history it has been used on kimonos, ceramicware, lacquerware, then later in graphics design.
Here are some designs I found that have made good use of the seigaiha wave symbol. Be inspired!
This is an iPhone 6 case with artwork designed by Karina & Cleo. They developed this continual seigaiha pattern as a collection for stationery and accessories.
It works well as a block pattern, which interestingly was how it was sometimes used on kimonos and ceramicware.
The use of royal blue effectively echoes ocean waves. The colour and pattern combine to create a masculine design. This is in contrast to their more feminine, pink seigaiha collection.
Karina & Cleo have included the seigaiha as part of their geometric design series, balancing their check and diamond patterns. I think it’s particularly appealing as an ancient pattern on a modern device.
If you're ever in Takayama, Japan and are looking for a Wi-Fi hotspot, then keep your eyes out for this sign! The seigaiha was a symbol of authority used by the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled the Takayama region during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Here, the symbol has been used as a link to history.
The sign uses a mid-tone blue, which is friendly and non-confronting. The row of seigaiha at the top of the sign, look similar to a radio wave symbol. This is eye-catching and would be instantly recognized by a wandering tourist.
The design for this sign is specifically aimed at tourists, as Takayama is a frequently visited area, and there are not many Wi-Fi hotspots.
This card design is by blogger Kim Costello of Paperbabe Stamps.
She has used the seigaiha symbol along with curling waves creating a contrast of symbolic and natural. The foreground row of seigaiha represent rolling waves as opposed to wild and crashing waves. The use of blue-green ink for the waves, represents the colour of the ocean, while also giving it a masculine aspect. The card was intentionally designed for a male recipient.
The seigaiha stamps are part of Kim Costello's 'Oriental Zen' stamp set, featuring elements related to the seigaiha symbol. The stamp set was inspired by kimono textiles and Japanese and Chinese woodblock prints.
An iPhone 5 and 5S wallpaper design by Benigna Iwasaki of Bcome. The waves feature the occasional curling tendril of a wave, reminiscent of Japanese stylized waves in kimono and Ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
The seigaiha symbol was chosen by Bcome as the pattern of the month, as featured in their April 2014 blog post.
Bcome is a design company based in Osaka, Japan. Here, we can see the influence from traditional Japanese design and the company’s minimalist concept intertwined. The pattern of grey waves creates a usable and calm wallpaper for an iPhone or iPad. This would in effect distinguish the apps more easily from the background.
This is a Dreambirds Artwear, 2014 limited edition ‘Seigaiha-Glow In The Dark’ T-shirt design.
The seigaiha are upside-down to represent feathers on the owl’s face. The green used here, while also being glow-in-the-dark print, is masculine and reflects the strength of the Deambirds signature emblem.
The image itself, is rather haunting and vivid. Dreambirds is an Indonesian based, self-produced artwear apparel company. Their owl face emblem is also their logo.
Of course I had to add a kimono for my last inspiring image, so that the seigaiha symbol could be seen in an original context.
This is a silk, vintage, women’s kimono juban (undergarment for a kimono), from Ichiroya Kimono Flea Market. It features a boat sailing on a pink seigaiha pattern. The pink waves create a harmonious palette with the browns of the boat.
Under the boat the seigaiha have been stretched to symbolize choppy or frothing waves. The pink waves give this juban a soft, femininity, despite their turbulence. This contrasts with the masculinity of the boat.
Want More?
Check out these quality articles focusing on shape in design:
... or browse Japanese Logo Designs here.
Written by Rachel Wheatley on Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Rachel Wheatley is a multidisciplinary artist and designer originally from New Zealand. She is a Master of Design student at the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Sydney. She has had a career as a creative arts educator in NSW secondary schools for the past 12 years. Her work is heavily influenced and inspired by kimono design and Japanese aesthetics. Being multidisciplinary her work is versatile, involving expressionist/abstract painting, embroidery, macrame, textile jewellery and installations. View Rachel's portfolio and Pinterest page.
