# kōhaku maku

> decorative marking used in Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q3817845](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3817845)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kōhaku_maku)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kohaku-maku

## Summary
Kōhaku maku is a traditional Japanese decorative marking featuring red and white stripes, primarily used for curtains and awnings at festivals and events. As a subclass of *maku* (Japanese ceremonial cloth), it holds cultural significance in Japan, symbolizing celebration and tradition. Its design is widely recognized in both physical and digital contexts.

## Key Facts
- **Color scheme**: Red and white stripes.
- **Classification**: Subclass of *maku* (Japanese cloth for curtains/awnings).
- **Parent category**: *Maku* (sitelink count: 3).
- **Documentation**: Featured in Wikimedia Commons, English, Italian, and Japanese Wikipedia.
- **Digital identifiers**: Freebase ID `/m/0g8835`, Pixiv Encyclopedia ID *紅白幕*.
- **Visual representation**: Example image available on Wikimedia Commons ([link](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Japanese_festival_decoration_banner.png)).
- **Cultural use**: Common at festivals, events, and traditional gatherings.

## FAQs
### Q: What colors characterize kōhaku maku?
A: Kōhaku maku is defined by its red and white striped pattern, which holds symbolic meaning in Japanese culture.

### Q: How is kōhaku maku used?
A: It is used as decorative curtains or awnings at festivals, events, and celebrations, adding a traditional aesthetic to public and private spaces.

### Q: Is kōhaku maku a modern or historical design?
A: While its exact origin is unspecified, its association with *maku* and documentation across multiple platforms suggest enduring cultural relevance.

## Why It Matters
Kōhaku maku plays a key role in Japanese cultural and festive traditions, providing visually striking decorations that enhance communal celebrations. Its red and white design—colors often symbolizing energy, purity, and good fortune—resonates deeply in Japanese society. The cloth’s classification under *maku* ties it to broader textile traditions, while its digital documentation (e.g., Wikimedia Commons, Pixiv) reflects its modern recognition. For researchers and enthusiasts, kōhaku maku offers insight into how traditional aesthetics adapt to contemporary contexts, maintaining relevance across generations.

## Notable For
- **Distinctive red-and-white stripes**: A visually iconic pattern distinct from other *maku* designs.
- **Cultural documentation**: Recognized in multiple Wikipedia languages and specialized platforms like Pixiv Encyclopedia.
- **Festival symbolism**: Integral to Japan’s vibrant festival culture, blending tradition with communal celebration.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
Kōhaku maku is a decorative textile classified as a subclass of *maku*, a category of Japanese cloth used for curtains and awnings. Its primary purpose is aesthetic, emphasizing red and white stripes that align with traditional Japanese color symbolism.

### Visual Characteristics
- **Color**: Consistently features red and white, with no variations noted in source material.
- **Design**: Striped pattern, though specific dimensions or stripe ratios are not provided.
- **Documentation**: An example image is hosted on Wikimedia Commons, illustrating its typical appearance.

### Cultural and Historical Context
While explicit historical dates are absent, its association with *maku* and festivals suggests roots in longstanding Japanese customs. The cloth’s presence in multilingual Wikipedia entries and niche databases (e.g., Pixiv) underscores its cross-cultural recognition.

### Digital Presence
- **Wikimedia Commons**: Categorized under "Red and white stripe curtains."
- **Freebase**: Identified by the ID `/m/0g8835`, linked to a 2013 publication.
- **Pixiv Encyclopedia**: Registered under the Japanese term *紅白幕*, reflecting its relevance in anime/manga communities.

### Functional Use
Primarily utilized for decorative purposes, kōhaku maku adorns festival stalls, event spaces, and ceremonial settings. Its design serves both functional (e.g., shading) and symbolic roles, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013