What are Uroko fish scale patterns?
This is the Uroko pattern, which resembles fish scales. The Uroko pattern is a geometric design made up of repeating triangles. This design has been recognized worldwide since ancient times.
In Japan, the fish scale pattern first found its use in the adornment of weapons and armor during the Kamakura period. Hojo Tokimasa, a renowned military commander of the Hojo clan, had a banner embellished with three fish scales, known as “Mitsuuroko.”
During the Muromachi period, the fish scale pattern gained popularity on samurai Jinbaori garments and Noh costumes. It is particularly associated with the attire of ogre women in Noh and Kabuki theater, symbolizing female fortitude.
In more recent times, the pattern has been utilized as a symbol of good fortune, believed to ward off evil spirits.
Uroko fish scale design and preparations
18 counts (3.5 cm, 1.38 inches) in diameter
DMC thread number / name / (RGB)
[・] 18 / Yellow Plum / ( 217, 213, 109 )
[＋] 783 / Medium Topaz / ( 206, 145, 36 )
