蔦
01
Where it comes from
Tsuta is drawn from the leaves of the Japanese ivy, a climbing vine whose leaves are usually split into three. The name is said to come from tsutau, to go along, for the way the vine climbs trees and stones. Another climbing vine with white flowers was long called by the same name, since both cling as they climb and both turn red before their leaves fall. The ivy of Europe crowned poets and victors in ancient Greece, and for its strong life it came to stand for life without end.
02
On the cloth
On cloth, ivy may be drawn as its leaves alone, or wound into long arabesque scrolls. Ivy scrolls on a red ground appear on karaori, the brocade robes of Noh.
03
To give
Ivy suits a long friendship, a partnership, or a team that climbs together. It is a gift for someone you hope to stay close to, season after season.
A word to keep
伝う
tsutau
To go along, holding on. The name tsuta is said to come from this word, for the way the vine climbs.
Two questions
What does the Ivy (蔦) pattern mean?
A wish for ties that hold fast and keep on climbing. Ivy suits a long friendship, a partnership, or a team that climbs together.
Where does the 蔦 pattern come from?
Tsuta is drawn from the leaves of the Japanese ivy, a climbing vine whose leaves are usually split into three. The name is said to come from tsutau, to go along, for the way the vine climbs trees and stones.
