The Hare "Usagi" as a motif in Japanese art

There is an old Chinese/Taoist tale of a hare that resides in the moon and pounds the magic herbs to make the elixir of eternal life. The hare was considered sacred and was believed to live a thousand years--becoming white only when it had reached the end of the first five hundred years. This belief was assimilated by the Japanese who see the hare in the moon pounding mochi or rice cakes instead of magic herbs.  

Because the moon is deemed to shine its brightest in autumn, the full moon and the hare motif has also become associated with autumn in Japanese art.  "Aki no nana kusa," or the seven grasses of autumn, often appear with the rabbit in the moon and have provided a motif for Japanese art since the Nara Era (710-794).  The seven grasses are, "kikyo," purple Chinese bell flowers, "hagi," Japanese bush clover, "susuki," Japanese pampas grass, "kuzu", millet, "nadeskiko," fringed pink flowers, "fujibakama," boneset, and "ominaeshi" which resembles Queen Anne's lace. 

Another hare motif that is very commonly seen in Japanese art is the the hare and ocean wave motif.  This unusual combination originated from a story in the Kojiki (Japan's oldest history book) called "Inaba no Shirousagi," or the "White Rabbit of Inaba" (present day Shimane prefecture). According to the legend, a white rabbit crossed the ocean from Okino Island to the mainland at Inaba by using the backs of sharks as stepping stones and thus appeared to be running over the tops of the waves. This story became the theme of a Noh song that translates roughly, "While the moon floats over the ocean, a rabbit runs over the waves, what interesting island scenery." 

Rabbits, Moon and Waves

   

Rabbits, Autumn Moon and Fall Flowers

Rabbits, Moon and Autumn Grasses 

The Iris as a Japanese Motif

The iris has captivated the hearts of Japanese since ancient times.  A native species, called kakitsubata, became especially popular from a story in the 10th century, "Tales of Ise." An aristocratic poet, weary of the fashionable life in Kyoto, set out on a long journey. Arriving at Yatsuhashi (meaning 'eight bridges'), he saw irises in full bloom in a marsh crisscrossed with the eight bridges that gave the area its name. The sight filled him with such longing for his wife far away that he wrote a verse for her, beginning each line with a syllable from the flower's name, ka-ki-tsu-ba-ta. Ever since, kakitsubata and zigzag wooden bridges have been linked as a motif in art, literature and gardening.

The iris is also known as hanashoubu, 'hana' meaning flower and 'shoubu' a play on words that can also mean 'martial spirit' or  'victory or defeat' as in a match or a showdown. Designs of hanashoubu and dragonflies were often stamped into tanned deerskin and worn into battle.

It was once believed that iris gave protection from the evil spirits that were abroad on the fifth day of the fifth month, and traditionally boys would bathe with its sword-like leaves on this day.  The iris also symbolizes the warrior spirit, and along with the koinobori (flying koi pennants), is displayed on May 5th as part of what was once Tango no Sekku but has now become known as Children's Day.

This furoshiki panel shows the bridges and iris as in the legend. 

Iris by a moving stream is another well used motif.

A scroll size depiction of an Iris and Stream motif.

 

Serene scenes such as these bring good feng shui in ones home and may be found in my Etsy Japanesque Accents Store .

The Koi in Japanese Art

Nothing is more soothing and meditative than to watch koi swimming lazily in a pond and yet the symbolism for koi is anything but peaceful. There is a well-known legend dating back to ancient China about one koi that traveled the long distance upstream against the strong Yellow River current and successfully made it over the infamous Dragon Gate Falls, a seemingly overwhelming barrier.  It was such an impossible task that the koi was rewarded by being transformed into a dragon.  This legend was later introduced to Japan where it became part of Japanese lore, and the koi became a symbol of worldly aspiration and achievement, tenacity of purpose, and indomitable courage to the Japanese.   Families display koinobori (flying carp banners) outside their houses each year on May 5th, what is now called Children's Day (known in the past as Boy's Day or 'tango-no-sekku'), as a visible prayer that their children will grow up strong and healthy and be able to stand up against all the fierce currents of adversity.  The koi symbolism is also appropriate for students who have done well in their examinations and for wishing anyone continued success in life. 


One example of this legend is seen in a design on a fabric panel wall hanging.  It shows the koi approaching a waterfall and at the top right is a small dragon.  The kanji on the upper right reads "Gateway to Success" which makes this a great gift to inspire any student or someone starting out in business.

Koi, Dragon and Waterfall Quilted Wall Hanging

Another example of this design can be seen in this panel:

Koi, Pines and Waterfall Quilted Wall Hanging

Having this symbolism hanging in one's home is a great reminder of what inner strength we can reach for to achieve our goals.