Learn about Traditional Japanese Motifs for Winter

Japan has four seasons to enjoy. Each of the four seasons has its own characteristics and motifs that symbolize these characteristics. Some of these motifs have auspicious meanings and are used in various aspects of daily life.

December marks the beginning of a full-fledged winter, and we begin to see cute motifs in many events such as Christmas (Santa Claus), New Year (Japanese zodiac signs), and Setsubun (demon). If you are conscious of it, you can also find lucky patterns unique to winter in various places and occasions. They can be found on kimonos worn during the New Year's holiday, on the designs of Japanese sweets that are sold during winter in stores, and of course, on Musubi Kiln’s items! We would like to introduce some of the winter auspicious patterns and the meaning behind them.

The lovely appearance of the nandina is similar to that of the red berry used in Christmas wreaths overseas. It is believed to be effective in repelling evil spirits and fire, and was often planted in front of entrances during the Edo period (1603-1868). Nandina is said to be best planted in the southwest direction, known as the "devil's gate." Since ancient times, it has been planted in gardens as a tree that "turns around difficult situations and brings good luck." Nandina is also used to pray for safe delivery and as a flower for New Year's decorations.

Look no further than the traditional Japanese soup bowl. With its high foot and lid, it is perfect for ceremonial occasions or everyday use. The elegant design and gold painting of spear flowers give it an air of sophistication, while the glossy texture adds a touch of beauty. Whether you are serving miso soup or another type of broth-based dish, the Japanese soup bowl is a great choice.

Camellias bloom beautifully in the cold winter weather. The camellia has long been loved by the Japanese people and is one of the most representative flowers of Japan. Its dignified appearance has been widely accepted overseas as an oriental beauty, and it has been called the Japanese rose.

The camellia is considered an auspicious flower, symbolizing "perseverance" and "vitality" because of its dignified blooming even in the coldest of winters. The camellia is an evergreen tree that maintains its green leaves without withering even during the cold winter months. Evergreen have been considered to have magical powers, sacred trees with mysterious powers since ancient times, which is why they are often planted in temples. It is also a tree that has been cherished as a "sacred tree" because it is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.

Sake is traditionally served in small cups or glasses, and is often drunk during special occasions such as weddings or holiday celebrations. The camellia motifs on this beautiful sake set are created using the ginsai technique, which involves applying five-color glaze over silver foil. The result is a stunningly transparent and glossy finish that is further enhanced by gradient colors.

A sparrow is very cute in the cold weather, curling up with air in their feathers to shelter from the cold. It is a common small bird found near residences in Japan. The Japanese idiom "bamboo and sparrow" is an example of a good combination of things. The combination of the evergreen bamboo (bamboo grass) with its deep and wide roots and the sparrow is said to represent "prosperity of offspring" and "prosperity of the family." The pattern of the sparrow means "to ward off evil," "safety in the home," and "wealth and abundance."

This Kutani ware matcha bowl features two sparrows in a warmly colored design. The sparrow on the left seems to be chirping to its companion on the right, and their tender, lively exchange brings a sense of comfort to the table.

Beyond its charming motif, this matcha bowl is wheel-thrown by hand. The clay body is substantial yet gentle to the touch, helping freshly whisked matcha stay warm. It sits securely in the palms, with a balanced weight that makes every sip feel easy and natural.

A Japanese Snow Fairy—better known in Japan as the shimaenaga—is a tiny long-tailed tit that looks as if winter itself sculpted it from fresh snow. With a round, white face, bead-black eyes, and a body like a cotton puff, it flits through Hokkaido’s forests in cheerful little bands, surviving bitter cold by trapping warm air in its feathers like a down jacket. Locals adore it not only for its storybook charm but also for what it seems to embody: resilience, companionship, and a kind of humble joy that brightens the quiet season. Spotting one is fleeting luck, the bird moves fast, melts into branches, and leaves behind only a soft, airy impression, as if you’d glimpsed a living snowflake before it drifted away.

This mug from the Sunny Spot series feels like a small winter scene you can hold in your hands. The design features Hokkaido’s beloved Japanese snow fairy nestled close with its companions, surrounded by gentle seasonal accents—snowflakes and soft, drifting motifs that echo the bird’s airy presence. Its generous capacity suits everything from morning coffee to a soothing latte or even a light soup, while the thin rim and roomy handle make drinking comfortable and natural.

Every winter, cranes come to Japan from Russia and China to spend the winter. Since ancient times, they have been said that "a crane lives for a thousand years and a tortoise for ten thousand years," symbolizing longevity. They are also a symbol of conjugal love, as they are said to be a good match for married couples and stay with them throughout their lives. For these reasons, they are prized and incorporated into various occasions as an indispensable good-luck symbol for congratulatory ceremonies.

This beautiful Kutani Ware vase features a painting of cranes and "sansui." Sansui is a type of landscape painting that often features blue-green tones. These light gold-colored areas are said to create an elegant atmosphere, reminiscent of a morning mist. You can often feel as though you are seeing a real landscape rather than a painting. Sansui can be used to simply add an elegant and sophisticated touch to your room, or it can be enhanced with flowers or greenery.

The plum tree has been considered a symbol of good fortune because its leaves do not wither even in cold winters. Amid the severe cold weather, the plum blossom blooms earlier than any other flowers and produces a large number of fruits. For this reason, the ume pattern is a symbol of perseverance, vitality, and prosperity of offspring, and is a representative auspicious pattern of good fortune.