Seigaiha 青海波
青 blue/green · 海 ocean · 波 wave
Seigaiha is a pattern that represents waves by layering concentric arcs in a fan shape. Found in many parts of the world from antiquity, including Persia and Egypt, it also appears on Japanese haniwa figures. The name derives from the costume worn by dancers in the bugaku court dance called Seigaiha. It has been used as an auspicious pattern in Japan since the Nara period.
The pattern consists of repeating semicircular arcs that layer and expand outward, creating a rhythmic visual effect. On ceramic pieces, the seigaiha appears as painted blue waves against white backgrounds, often combined with other motifs such as botanical designs or Mount Fuji.