It's a shame to have a thief pattern. The truth behind arabesque patterns
It's a shame to have a thief pattern. The truth behind arabesque patterns
A clasp rests gently on green moss. The metal clasp sparkles in the sunlight, and the fabric features a flowing white arabesque pattern. It dances gracefully around and around, like the trail of vines drawn by the wind.
This clasp is part of WABISUKE's arabesque pattern series. However, when people hear the term "arabesque pattern," many of them are left scratching their heads, thinking, "Isn't that a pattern for thieves?" This is because in Showa-era manga and TV dramas, thieves were commonly seen running away with arabesque patterned furoshiki on their backs.
But that's not the real picture.
The "thief pattern" image born from Showa era production
In the Showa era, especially in postwar manga and television, thieves were often seen wearing black clothing and arabesque-patterned furoshiki wrapping cloths. They would wrap up their stolen belongings and sneak away through back alleys at night. As depictions like this were repeated, the image of "arabesque patterns = thieves" became firmly established.
But think about it carefully. Would a thief go out of their way to use a furoshiki with a conspicuous pattern? In fact, arabesque patterns were deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary people and were considered to be auspicious.
The roots of arabesque patterns are blessings and prosperity
The arabesque pattern is a design of vines growing in all directions. Vines continue to grow no matter how many times they are cut, and are a symbol of vitality.
For this reason, arabesque patterns have meanings such as "prosperity," "longevity," and "unbroken family lineage," and have been used at weddings and gift-giving ceremonies since ancient times.
Arabesque patterns were particularly popular on the furoshiki (cloths used by brides to wrap their trousseau). The tools to be used at the new home would be wrapped in the furoshiki of the bride's parents' home. Then, after some time had passed, when the bride returned to her parents' home, she would wrap her belongings in the same furoshiki. The arabesque pattern was a cloth that wrapped up the bonds of family.
The thief used a furoshiki that was in the house
So why did the thief use a furoshiki with an arabesque pattern?
In fact, they simply wrapped their belongings in furoshiki that were in the house they broke into, which is also evidence that arabesque-patterned furoshiki were found in many homes.
Because this pattern was so deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary people, every home had at least one. It eventually came to be called the "thief pattern" after appearing in scenes depicting thieves making their getaway.
However, this is a bit of a false accusation against the arabesque pattern.
The thoughts behind WABISUKE's purses
At WABISUKE, we hope to clear up this misunderstanding with this arabesque-patterned purse.
The clasp purse is an auspicious item that is said to attract good fortune and not let good fortune escape, as it opens wide. The arabesque pattern is a symbol of prosperity and bonds.
In other words, this purse is an item that "brings good fortune and envelops bonds."
The purse rests quietly on the moss, as if resonating with nature. Just as the vine pattern sways in the wind, may the wearer's life also be filled with graceful flow and connection.
Why not take another look at arabesque patterns?
Don't let them call it a "thief pattern." The arabesque pattern embodies family history, carries blessings, and connects to the future.
You may laugh at the Showa-era production, but when you realize the true meaning behind it, the arabesque pattern will surely look even more beautiful to you.
When you hold a WABISUKE purse in your hand, this story will gently reside in the palm of your hand.