“New Arrival” - Cotton Blouses
Kimono Cotton Blouses combine traditional Japanese kimono elements with modern comfort and style. Crafted from high-quality cotton, these blouses offer breathability and a soft touch, making them perfect for everyday wear. Featuring classic kimono sleeves and elegant cuts inspired by traditional patterns, Pagongs blouses bring a refined, cultural aesthetic to your wardrobe. Ideal for pairing with both casual and dressier outfits, they reflect the heritage of Japanese textile craftsmanship while embracing contemporary fashion sensibilities. Each blouse is carefully made in Japan, ensuring attention to detail and lasting quality.
Japanese name/ 荒磯丸文 Arasomarumon
The name "Araiso" can be pronounced as "Ariso" or "Araiso." Its origin stems from "Araiso Junko," depicting carp-like fish rhythmically leaping on the waves in opposite directions. This mesmerizing pattern of carp gracefully bouncing on the waves is commonly referred to as Araiso-bun.
In this pattern, the Araiso pattern arranged in a round pattern placed between the waves along with the Hanamaru pattern. Combining the wild and heroic image of Araiso with the Hanamaru pattern adds softness, creating a pattern that combines strength and gentleness. The carp symbolizes bravery and strong faith in the face of adversity and hardship, and the flowers, which evoke kindness, encourage us as we strive toward the future.
Japanese name/ 獅子毛唐草 (Shishige Karakusa)
KARAKUSA or the “Lion Arabesque” pattern originally came from Egypt, then passed through Persia, Greece, and the “Silk Road” to Japan as did many other exquisite patterns. It was first introduced to Japan as a pattern of Buddhist art, typically seen in the halos of Buddhist images; statues, murals, and in textiles.
The vine pattern within the “Lion Arabesque” is actually a plant that doesn't exist. The vines are intertwined and seemingly extend into infinity, showing strong vitality and resilience, making it a symbol of prosperity and longevity. The pattern is often used in fine arts, and it has developed to include even flowers that do not have vines, such as chrysanthemums and plums.
During the Edo-era, it was used as an auspicious pattern on kosode (short-sleeve) kimono designs and wedding furniture. Even in modern times, we often see large wedding cloths with arabesque patterns joyously covering wedding items, and furoshiki (wrapping cloths) with arabesque patterns used during ceremonies and formal gift-giving.
Japanese name / 大波 (Oonami)
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a master artist and printmaker of ukiyo-e, “pictures of the floating world” school.
Hokusai was well over 70 years old when The Great Wave was made. It would be the very first print he would publish of his monumental series, “The Thirty-Six Views ofMount Fuji”, a series which would firmly secure Hokusai’s fame in Japan, as well as overseas.
The Great Wave is Hokusai’s most celebrated work and, without a doubt, is considered the most recognizable work of Japanese art in the world. This extraordinary pattern was dyed using the kimono technique “Kyoto-Yuzen”.
A collaboration with the Hokusai Museum, Obuse, Nagano.
