MC07 - Tsukushi 土筆

Menuki with Japanese horsetail pattern, Tsukushi 土筆.

Menuki Omote: Length 59mm, Width 6mm, height 3mm

Menuki Ura: Length 59mm, Width 6mm, height 3mm

Tsukushi 土筆 field horsetails, are harbingers of spring and symbolize rebirth. Growing suddenly as soon as the temperatures soften, it represents the effect of surprise and vigor.
The name in Kanji is composed of 土 meaning 'Ground' and 筆 meaning 'Brush'. It is of course their shape that inspired this name. Due to this characteristic shape, slender, with a small hat, Tsukushi are also a symbol of fertility.
Finally, the name Tsukushi also refers to the old name of the island of Kyushu 'Tsukushi No Shima', where Musashi ended his life.