紫陽花の歴史は大変古く、『万葉集』にも詠まれています。梅雨から盛夏にかけて咲く紫陽花は夏のモチーフではありますが、五月雨に濡れた様子を描いたものも多く見受けられます。現代では趣味の着物や帯、浴衣などに多く用いられていますが、かつては能装束などにも見ることができました。

The history of hydrangeas is ancient, with mentions found even in the "Manyoshu," a collection of Japanese poetry. Although hydrangeas bloom from the late spring to midsummer, making them a symbol of summer, many depictions in traditional arts capture their appearance during the May rains. In contemporary times, hydrangeas are widely used in hobbies like kimono, obi, and yukata designs. However, in the past, they were also observed in more formal attire such as Noh costumes. The enduring appeal of hydrangeas in various artistic expressions attests to their significance throughout Japanese cultural history.