The Design of the Ship: the Treasure Sail and the Dragon Bow船の意匠
Safety at sea · abundant catches · good fortune · financial luckThe bow of the treasure ship is the dragon god who rules the sea and water. Long and devoutly worshipped by fishermen and sailors, the dragon god guides the ship over rough waves with the morning sun at its back. He is believed to bring safety at sea, abundant catches, good fortune and financial luck.
On the sail I painted 寶, the old form of the character for "treasure." The 貝 (shell) you can see inside it is there because shells were used as money in ancient China; jewels and shells kept under one roof make it a lucky character full of treasure. Takara-zukushi patterns are scattered across the whole sail.
The dragon's neck scales are drawn like upside-down seigaiha waves. Its body carries karakusa, and the parts that look like arms carry kikko.
The panel where the ship's name goes is filled with kikko: hexagons in a honeycomb, a structure that stays stable and lasting. The metal trim carries shippo and the gunwale seigaiha. I put in as many good-luck patterns as I possibly could.
Main patterns on the sail, dragon and hull
- The character 寶 (sail)
- The old form of 宝, "treasure." Shells were money in ancient China; jewels and shells under one roof make it a character full of treasure.
- Takara-zukushi (sail)
- Lucky treasures such as the magic mallet, scrolls and cloves; a pattern that invites wealth and happiness.
- Scales (dragon's neck)
- Drawn like upside-down seigaiha; the dragon's strength and its passage over the waves.
- Karakusa (dragon's body)
- Vines stretching without end; long life and prosperity.
- Kikko (dragon's arms, name panel)
- Tortoise-shell hexagons; long life and good fortune. The seamless honeycomb stands for stability and growth.
- Shippo (metal trim)
- Endlessly linked circles; harmony and widening bonds.
- Seigaiha (gunwale)
- Gentle waves spreading endlessly; a wish that peace and happiness continue forever.
* The blessings and meanings of the patterns are based on long-held tradition and are not a guarantee of any effect.
