Chiyomatsuryu Zu engi
dedicated to Ise Shrine
October 2003

The pine has been sacred in Japan since the days of our ancestors. It is believed that gods descend on the prickly ends of the pine leaves, and its branches are used as an auspicious plant used in New Year ornaments. The Chiyomatsu-ryu is believed to be an incarnation of the pine to watch over harvest for a thousand years. Its red eyes symbolize the south, black ink represents the north, with the pine green signifying east and gold plate, west. The red eyes on white also symbolize the sacred mirror. The dragon is believed to stimulate flow and bring the bounty of the year. The Chiyomatsutry-zu is dedicated to the gods of Ise.