縁起物の代表格といってもいい鶴と亀。「飛鶴」「雲鶴」「郡鶴」「立鶴」「鶴の丸」など、鶴は鳥文様の中では、最も表現のバリエーションが豊富です。歴史が古いのは亀で、弥生時代の銅鐸などにも見られます。亀は単独で描かれることはほとんどなく、多くは鶴とともに長寿の象徴として表現されています。

Representing symbols of good fortune, the crane and turtle stand out. Among bird motifs, the crane boasts the richest variety of expressions with designs like "Hizaru" (flying crane), "Unkaku" (cloud crane), "Gunzuru" (group of cranes), "Tachizuru" (standing crane), and "Tsuru no Maru" (crane in a circle). The turtle has a long historical presence, appearing in artifacts dating back to the Yayoi period, such as bronze bells. Turtles are seldom depicted alone, often symbolizing longevity alongside cranes in various artistic expressions.

Obi fabrics with this Japanese pattern from the obico selection