also: モティーフ
noun
Used in art, music, literature, and design for a recurring theme, pattern, or element. A common loanword in Japanese.
from French
この曲のモチーフは、冒頭のピアノの旋律に現れる。
The motif of this piece appears in the piano melody at the beginning.
彼女の作
Many of her works feature designs based on nature motifs.