原型となる楽器の残片が弥生時代の遺跡から見つかるなど、琴は大変古くからある日本の伝統楽器です。細長い形は文様としても印象的で、現在も着物や帯に用いられています。また、琴の音程を調節する道具である「琴柱」は、その美しい曲線が好まれ単体でも文様のモチーフとなっています。

Since musical instruments such as drums and flutes have beautiful tones and can reverberate loudly, it is believed to lead to God.
The most of them are used in gagaku (old Japanese court music) performed in the palace.

Another popular kind of musical instrument used in gagaku (old Japanese court music) performed in the palace.
The kotoji, a tool for adjusting the pitch of the koto sound, is used alone as a pattern because of its beautiful curvy shape.

Obi fabrics with this Japanese pattern from the obico selection