EDO-KOMON

Traditional Japanese Design

Edo was the former Tokyo and had a unique culture. Edo period (1603-1868) lasted more than two hundred and fifty years and is often described as the most peaceful era. However, the peace was controlled under various restrictions and even design was part of those restrictions. Based on the government’s idea, ordinary people shouldn’t enjoy any luxury in life. For example, common people were not allowed to use specific patterns and colours so they developed their own unique designs using simple motifs such as daily tools, plants or food. While the ancient capital Kyoto had many elegant noble designs, Edo created humorous unique motifs. Edo-komon was first used on formal dresses called Kamishimo, for samurai-lords. Each family had their own motif to denote their identity so the design was absolutely exclusive but later on Edo-komon came to include all types of traditional designs by Edo people. Not just Edo-komon but many other traditional patterns were made to express gratitude for the beauty of the seasons in Japan. Those designs are also auspicious symbols to ward off evil and wish for a good luck. I love the idea to connect with people from the past through the designs they cherished during their lives. As a Tokyo-born designer, I’d love to contribute to keep the Edo design tradition alive. Edo-komon collection is available on EMOSIWN Etsy Shop.