Passion Friuts

時計草 - Tokeigusa

The Story of the Passion Friuts Pattern

Originating in Okinawa, “Binryu” is a brand dedicated to weaving the traditional art of Bingata into modern daily life. Pagong has beautifully reimagined Binryu’s signature pattern “Aeras” using the sophisticated artistry of Kyo-Yuzen dyeing.

“Aeras” is a pattern inspired by the passionflower, the blossom of the passion fruit. In Japan, this flower is known as tokeisō (“clock flower”), a name derived from the way its three pistils resemble the hour, minute, and second hands of a clock.

In Western culture, the passionflower is deeply connected to Christianity and carries the meaning of “sacred love” in the language of flowers. Beni-ryu’s “Aeras” design takes this symbolic flower as its central motif. The name “Aeras” means “wind,” evoking the gentle sea breeze of Okinawa and the soft sound of waves drifting through the air.

Bingata is one of Okinawa’s most representative traditional dyeing techniques. The word “beni” does not simply mean red, but rather refers to color in general, while “kata” denotes patterns and designs. Known for its vivid and clear color palette, Bingata has captivated people since the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

In addition to Hon-Bingata (traditional Ryukyu Bingata), there are also regional interpretations such as Kyo-Bingata and Edo-Bingata. Kyo-Bingata is often dyed using Yuzen techniques, resulting in softer and more delicate color expressions.

In this piece, the Bingata-inspired pattern is reimagined through Pagong’s Kyo-Yuzen dyeing. The result is a passionflower design that brings a refreshing breeze and a sense of lightness to Pagong’s aesthetic.