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絢文 (kenbun) Japanese meaning: colorful pattern | Kotomora

絢けん文ぶん

Meanings

1

colorful pattern; colourful pattern

Refers to a vividly colored design or pattern, often on fabric or decorative items. A somewhat literary or refined term.

着き物ものの絢けん文ぶんが美うつくしい。
The colorful pattern of the kimono is beautiful.
絢けん文ぶんをあしらった陶とう器き。
Pottery decorated with colorful patterns.

Kanji

絢brilliant fabric design
文sentence, literature, style

Related words

模も様よう
模様 is the common word for 'pattern' or 'design', while 絢文 specifically emphasizes rich, vivid colors and is more literary.
文もん様よう
文様 is a general term for decorative patterns, often used in art and textiles, but does not inherently imply bright colors like 絢文.

Etymology

Composed of 絢 (colorful, beautiful pattern) and 文 (pattern, design). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of a vividly colored design.