着物や帯に描かれる流水は、多くが小川を表していると考えられていますが、一方で、一滴の水が海に注ぐまでを人生に見立てるなど、多様な表現を見ることもできます。「茶屋辻」や「御所解き文様」などの風景文様、「杜若」や「菖蒲」など、流水との組み合わせが定番となっている文様は数多くあります。

The pattern of running water has been variously expressed as an eternal form.
Since water is the source of life, the movement of water running into the ocean represents life in ancient days.
Most of the running water drawn on kimono and obi represent a stream.
Most of the running water patters were arranged by placing various motifs.

Obi fabrics with this Japanese pattern from the obico selection