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 .