traditional dyeing pattern with axe, koto bridge, and chrysanthemum
A specific motif in Japanese dyeing, often associated with 謎染め (nazozome) patterns. The reading よきこときく is a pun on 良き事聞く (hearing good things).
The pattern on this kimono is yoki-koto-kiku, one of the auspicious nazozome designs.
The reading よきこときく is a deliberate pun on the auspicious phrase 良き事聞く (hearing good things), using the kun'yomi of 斧 (よき, axe), 琴 (こと, koto), and 菊 (きく, chrysanthemum).