Interlocking key (linked manji)

紗綾形 sayagata

Interlocking key (linked manji)

Linked manji (卍) form an unbroken fret that wishes for unbroken prosperity and long life; named after imported saya (figured silk) fabric and common on formal wear and celebration gifts.

Chinese figured silks imported in the Tenshō era (1573–92)

An interlocking manji fret, possibly first seen in ancient Indian architecture. It takes its name from sa-aya, the figured silk on which it reached Japan when large amounts of patterned Chinese fabric were imported in the Tenshō era. In the Edo period it was a common ground pattern on figured satin (rinzu), often combined with chrysanthemum, plum, bamboo or orchid.

Rinzu with a sayagata ground is still standard for formal kimono, undergarments and the backgrounds of celebration gifts.

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.