Limited Edition Japanese Pattern Goshuin Series Greeting Card – Ichimatsu, Asanoha, Uroko & Kikko Patterns “Makoto”
A limited-edition Goshuin greeting card that brings together four of Japan's most auspicious traditional patterns: Ichimatsu (checkered), Asa-no-ha (hemp leaf), Kikko (tortoiseshell), and Uroko (scale). The card measures 200 by 148mm, and the calligraphy itself is handwritten by a temple monk on a postcard-sized (100 by 148mm) sheet set into the design.
Goshuin are sacred temple and shrine seals paired with calligraphy, treasured both as spiritual keepsakes and as art in their own right. The Ichimatsu pattern traces back to the Edo period, when kabuki actors favored its alternating squares; because the motif repeats without interruption, it came to symbolize focus, prosperity, and success, with green representing harmony and black said to embrace both good and evil with infinite possibility. In keeping with that meaning, the monk has written the character for "Makoto" (sincerity) at the card's center.
The Uroko scale pattern draws on the scales of dragons and serpents, long considered embodiments of water and thunder gods. Found as far back as burial mound murals, it has traditionally been used to calm the spirit and ward off misfortune.
Because each Goshuin is handwritten one at a time by a temple monk, small variations between pieces are part of its charm. If purchased alongside a Goshuin notebook, this card will be provided as a loose-leaf insert rather than bound in. Please note that actual colors may appear slightly different depending on your screen.
Limited-quantity Japanese Pattern Goshuin Series card, “Makoto,” featuring auspicious traditional Japanese patterns: ichimatsu check, hemp leaf, tortoiseshell, and scale motifs. The ichimatsu pattern symbolizes focus, prosperity, advancement, harmony in green, and limitless potential in black; it is inscribed with the word “Bonds.” The scale pattern, inspired by dragon and serpent scales, has traditionally been used for protection from misfortune.
Goshuin size: 200 × 148 mm. Each piece is handmade individually by a temple monk/calligrapher on postcard-size paper (100 × 148 mm), so slight variations may occur.
