The Design of our Sakura Japanese Tartan

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, and the Sakura Season in Japan is between late March and early April, when the trees are in bloom. The white and pink colours come from the three hues of cherry blossom - white, pale pink and a stronger pink. This is combined with spring green. All of our tartan is woven locally with 100% British wool, and can be ordered by the metre or half metre. We can also create a bespoke Sakura tartan product for you. Choose from a wide range which includes kilts, shawls, ties, cosmetic bags and more. They will be handmade in our workshop in the South of Scotland.

The Story behind our Japanese Tartan

This is one of a set of 4 tartans in 'The Four Seasons' collection by designer David McGill. Created in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first treaty between Japan and the UK (1858), and the arrival of Thomas Blake Glover, the Scottish Samurai, in Nagasaki (1859). The Sakura (cherry blossom in Japanese) tartan represents Spring.

Hanami 花見 "flower viewing", is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; "hana" in this case referring to those of the cherry "sakura" or, less frequently, plum "ume" trees. From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan. The blossom forecast (桜前線 sakura-zensen), literally, cherry blossom front) is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms last only a week or two.

Sakura is a registered Tartan
STA ref:           7739
STWR ref:        3280