Lit. Chinese floral motif. Intricate foliage patterns
transmitted from China to Japan. Karahanamon is a general term, also called
tsuruhanamon 蔓花文 (vine and flower pattern) or tsurukusamon 蔓草文 (vine
and grass pattern). The karahanamon characteristically merges intricate
floral motifs into geometric, frequently circular or diamond-shaped designs. Patterns
featuring the lotus, peony, or palmette (sometimes called honeysuckle) are also
common. Such patterns appear on extant architectural details, crafts and dyed
textiles from as early as the Nara period. During the Heian period, the patterns
were simplified and adapted to a variety of textiles, which were widely used in
courtly attire.
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