Pine needles

松葉 matsuba

Pine needles

Pine needles in pairs that stay joined even when they fall stand for a faithful couple; they share the pine's meaning of longevity.

Derived from the pine motif; date of the scattered-needle pattern not established

Pine needles share the pine's meaning of long life and steadfastness: pine heads the 'Three Friends of Winter' (shōchikubai) and was the traditional material of the New Year kadomatsu. Japanese pine needles grow and fall in joined pairs, which gives the motif its added meaning of a faithful couple. Scattered pine needles are a common small repeat on kimono and tenugui.

Used all year as a light, auspicious pattern, especially on wedding and New Year goods.

Technique catalog · draft for review

Every way to wrap, carry and wear a furoshiki.

The furoshiki.com archive, sliced into annotated steps with plain directions, plus techniques found in research.