Appreciating the beauty of “Dappled things”

Bring a touch of dappled light to your home:

There is beauty in the in-between light.

Dappled things—objects or creatures marked with spots, patches, or varied shades—hold a unique allure and symbolic richness across cultures and artistic expressions. The interplay of light and colour in nature, as seen in dappled light through trees or the speckled patterns of animals, often symbolizes harmony, diversity, and beauty.

Why do we love this interplay between light and dark, and how do we “bring it home”?

Koi Fish and their history.

A well-stocked and beautifully maintained Koi pond is a joy to behold.

Koi fish are revered across Asia, particularly in Japan and China, as symbols of perseverance, strength, and good fortune. Their vibrant, dappled patterns are seen as emblems of beauty and transformation. Originating from ancient Chinese breeding practices, Koi became integral to Japanese culture after being introduced to the country in the early 19th century.

Wanderlust: The Kyoto International Conference Center, a historic spot of international cooperation, boasts a vast and beautifully tranquil koi pond…No wonder it’s the birthplace of so many important treaties and collaborations.

In Japanese mythology, Koi fish are celebrated for their determination to swim upstream, and often venerated in a folk tale of a Koi that transformed into a dragon after swimming up a waterfall. As a result, Koi fish tattoos often symbolize courage and ambition.

Did you Know?: In Feng Shui, Koi are believed to attract prosperity and spiritual growth when placed in ponds or depicted in art.

A symbol for children

Their dappled scales, which vary from deep orange to white, black, and gold, reflect the notion of diversity within unity, a recurring theme in Asian philosophies. During the annual Koi Festivals in Japan, brightly coloured Koi-shaped streamers or Koinobori are flown to celebrate children’s health and happiness. This festival is celebrated annually on the 5^th of May and is also called the Children’s festival.

“These colourful windsocks in the shape of carp are traditionally flown outside homes, schools, and public spaces to wish children strength, health, and success. The koinobori are designed to flutter and swim in the wind, resembling carp swimming upstream, a metaphor for perseverance and growth.”

If you have the space and the budget, a koi pond is the obvious choice for bringing dappled beauty into your home:

Koi Pond Ideas

Stunning Koi Pond designs

If you don’t want the full commitment of a fishpond, Koi fish are a classic décor choice and whether you use a rich Koi design for your soft furnishings, wall treatments, art or simply incorporate a Fishy objet d’arts in your home, is up to you.

As important as these creatures are in Japan and the far east, they are not the only dappled animals with a cultural significance.

A symbol for children

Their dappled scales, which vary from deep orange to white, black, and gold, reflect the notion of diversity within unity, a recurring theme in Asian philosophies. During the annual Koi Festivals in Japan, brightly coloured Koi-shaped streamers or Koinobori are flown to celebrate children’s health and happiness. This festival is celebrated annually on the 5^th of May and is also called the Children’s festival.

“These colourful windsocks in the shape of carp are traditionally flown outside homes, schools, and public spaces to wish children strength, health, and success. The koinobori are designed to flutter and swim in the wind, resembling carp swimming upstream, a metaphor for perseverance and growth.”

If you have the space and the budget, a koi pond is the obvious choice for bringing dappled beauty into your home:

Koi Pond Ideas

Stunning Koi Pond designs

If you don’t want the full commitment of a fishpond, Koi fish are a classic décor choice and whether you use a rich Koi design for your soft furnishings, wall treatments, art or simply incorporate a Fishy objet d’arts in your home, is up to you.

As important as these creatures are in Japan and the far east, they are not the only dappled animals with a cultural significance.

The beauty of a good horse…

Appaloosa horses, known for their distinctive spotted coats, hold profound cultural significance for Native American tribes, particularly the Nez Perce. These horses symbolize spirit, strength, and freedom. Prized for their endurance and unique appearance, Appaloosas were carefully bred by the Nez Perce, who recognized their remarkable adaptability and versatility.

The spotted patterns of these horses were considered symbols of personal identity and tribal pride. Their presence in rituals and storytelling reinforced connections to nature and the spirit world. Appaloosas were valued in trade and warfare, symbolizing both physical and spiritual power.

Take Note: Appaloosa horses continue to represent Native American heritage and resilience, commemorated through various cultural festivals and equestrian events like racing days…

Lucky cats

Calico cats, distinguished by their tri-coloured patches, are often associated with good luck, particularly in Japanese folklore. Known as ‘Maneki-neko’ or ‘beckoning cats,’ calicos are believed to bring fortune and protect against bad luck. Their unique colouring, which is linked to a genetic anomaly, is seen as a rare and auspicious trait.

In some cultures, owning a calico cat is thought to safeguard against shipwrecks and other misfortunes. As living symbols of prosperity, they feature prominently in talismans and home decor.

Never mind the fact that Calico cats are delightfully whimsical pets and work well as living decor pieces as they lounge and stretch around your home…

Embrace the imperfect, the fleeting and the flowing

Dappled light, characterized by patches of light and shadow filtering through foliage, has inspired artists and poets alike. Notably, Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem “Pied Beauty” celebrates “dappled things” as manifestations of God’s creativity.

In visual art, Impressionist painters like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir captured the fleeting quality of dappled light, emphasising its dynamic interplay on surfaces.

A study of Impressionism and light

This motif continues to evoke tranquillity and natural beauty in both classical and contemporary works.

You can start small.

Even if you don’t want the fish, can’t own a horse, and are allergic to cats, you can bring dapple into your space by planting a leafy tree outside a sunny window or even just moving your large Ficus houseplant to a sunny spot and watching the light and shadows from it’s leaves play across your floor.

Dappled beauty is worth exploring as a direct opposite to the stark lines of pinstripes or the stifling precision of a polka dot or geometric print. Live a little and let the dappled light bring harmony to your home.