Limited Edition: Traditional Japanese Print
Japanese art print (Ukiyo-e) is defined as 'pictures of the floating world'.
Ukiyo-e is one of the largest spaces of Japanese art which contains over 25,000 prints and related paintings, drawings and books, covering a wide range of common ukiyo-e themes, including 'beauties' and actors, landscapes, heroic and folk tales. The floating imagery originates from the Buddhist ideology that joy is transient and that only detachment from desire will bring true enlightenment.
Our collection of Japanese Print socks is inspired by the mountains of Japan, Folklore and Sumo wrestlers.
This print is inspired by the “Red Fuji”, a famous Japanese print, part of the 36 Views of Mount Fuji of Hokusai. Mount Fuji or Fujisan is the highest mountain and volcano in Japan. Both Shito and Buddhism regard Fujisan as a sacred land and as a site of pilgrimage. In the “Red Fuji”, Hokusai captures the moment when the sun rises and Fujisan turns red.
Sharaku was a Japanese ukiyo-e painter, famous for his painting of Kabuki actors. This print is inspired by one of the Kabuki paintings made by Sharaku. Created during the Edo Period, Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance/theatre, well known all around the world.
The Tsuru pattern was influenced by two traditional Japanese prints: Ichimatsu, the checked background and Tsuru, the cranes.
The Ichimatsu pattern is very similar to the gingham pattern, contrasting colour squares alternating each other eternally. This pattern has been used in Japan since ancient times, but it became famous in the eighteen century when it started to be used by Kabuki actors.
The word tsuru translates to crane. This beautiful animal has always been the centre of Japanese folktales, and according to the most well-known of those legends, if you fold one thousand paper cranes, a crane will grant you a wish.
This print takes its name from the Koi fish, a type of asian carp. In the Japanese culture, the Koi fish is a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
The print used for the background is a traditional Japanese pattern called Seigaiha, that translates to blue ocean waves. Worn traditionally by the dancers of an ancient court dance, named Seigaiha, the pattern depicts fan-shaped waves in the sea.
This print is inspired by the Japanese form of heavyweight wrestling, known as Sumo Wrestling.
The print used for the background is a traditional umpire's fan (軍配団扇) is a type of signal baton and Japanese war fan. Which was used by military leaders and priests in the past, it is a common tool used in sumo wrestling. Featuring Sumos across the sock with different coloured clothing.
Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Featuring elaborate costumes and performances. Which originates from the early Edo period (1603-1867). The characters are dressed in a range of colourful kimonos and beautiful kumadori makeup.
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