karahanamon 唐花文

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.