#Kawarazaki Shodo

[raudur]

[typhlonectes]

Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973) - "Black Lily" 

woodblock print, c.1950

[japanese-plants]

Common Reed by Kawarazaki Shodo (1889-1973) 

[steliosagapitos]

"The Ukiyo-e Archive Rose" by Shodo Kawarazaki.

[rzc11]

Spider Lilly, by Kawarazaki Shodo, ca. 1960

[mizukagami-takamagahara]

According to the notes on Elise's character design sheet, the emblem on her garters is meant to be a Hydrangea! Though these flowers are often seen clustered together in a way not depicted in her accessory, you can clearly make out the four-petaled shape of the individual flowers!

These flowers are associated with Japan's rainy season in June. In the Japanese flower language, Hanakotoba, the hydrangea is associated with concepts like "strong love," "family," "sincerity," and "apologies."

Blue Hydrangeas specifically can be associated with concepts like "indifferent and cold," "ruthlessness," and "patient, loyal affection."

White Hydrangeas can be associated with "open-mindedness."

Kawarazaki Shodo (1889-1973)

Since Elise is a character created in Japan, these concepts were likely considered while choosing which flower to put on her garter!

But Ishana, where she lives, is more rooted in European culture, so let's take a look at Victorian flower language as well!

In this variant of floral symbolism, hydrangeas are instead associated with "pridefulness," "boastfulness," and "cold heartedness!" There were even some legends in the 1800s suggesting that women who grew hydrangeas in their yards would be unlucky in love- cursed to never marry, and die alone.

Wilfred Gabriel de Glehn (1870-1951)

As an added note; Kuon wears a similar garter with an emblem that looks like a lily!

[tofu-tomblr]

Chrysanthemum, by Kawarazaki Shodo (ca. 1925).

[bluart106]

by Kawarazaki Shodo

[westwoodyu]

Dearest, Livy of the valley

I am not one to write romance and songs for I have only written tears and tragedies. However, a person made me realize a lot of things. Now, I am writing for flowers and oceans. First of all, I intend to give not discomfort and offense for I am writing this to express how I feel, affection and care.

Starting with the name, I have been fond of the flower lily-of-the-valley not too long ago. It is wonderful how the nicknames I call you are almost identical - Liy and Livy. Lily of the valley is a flower of various meanings. It symbolizes joy, spring, mourning, prosperity, serenity, and kindness. See, how the positives overcome the negatives but does not erase it? I believe that's how this flower grows. And I believe that you, too, will learn how to prosper healthily.

I am not expecting any kind of answer at all. I merely want to let you be aware of my feelings. This letter needs no reply but I request to please keep the flower. I hope it multiplies so it may never die.

You, dear Livy, is like the lily of the valley. You radiate such brightness some people may find overbearing, but not me. I find your beams in my veins and it flourishes me. Softly. Tenderly. You are the spring that melts away the winter, the sun that shines after a long day of rain. However, weathers change and so do you. When you are at loss, the town lits up their fireplaces and sets their bed cozy. The plants, on the other hand, rejoices. For the rain has come and they will be nourished. In times that you feel lonely, you must embrace it with warmth, and so you and your loneliness will not feel lonely at all. There is togetherness and peace and there is growth that awaits. The pain will not cease if you do not aid it. After the great pain comes kindness, to yourself and others. You do not want others to experience the events you have gone through. There is power in being kind. You are a beautiful soul. Such beauty surely deserves appreciation.

I wish to give you a bunch of lily of the valley flowers in the near future. Along with another letter that I will write for you. For now, take this letter and keep it close to your heart. I appreciate your efforts, and you as you are. How I wish I could give you a tight embrace, to stop the world and give you time to breathe. Beloved Livy of the valley, if it is still not obvious. I may have caught feelings for you. For a long time now since the day I told you that I admired you. I was afraid I was just mistaken at first. But God, has it been so difficult to stop myself from starting random banters. When you call me that silly call sign, I smile from ear to ear. When I see your name on my notifications, I get giddy. When I hear songs that are all tingly and fluttering, I think of you. I was also thinking, "I'm doomed," for catching feelings for my best friend. There's an inkling inside of me that speaks, "Take the risk." I was afraid not too long ago, but now I am not. So, I wrote you this letter.

I am aware that there are things you wish not to talk about and I respect that. I respect your time and pace. I understand if it may seem sudden. Have my signs been unclear? I hope they weren't. Whatever happens, I will treat you the same way as before- with genuine love and support as a friend. Should you wish to reply, you are free to do so. But as I told, it is not required and you should take your time. I only intend to let you know how I've been feeling.

I hope this letter finds you well.

With love,

Frog of the lake

Spring Flower Lily of the Valley, 1954. Kawarazaki Shodo.

[iamjapanese]

KAWARAZAKI Kodo（Shodo）（河原崎晃洞 or 奨堂 Japanese, 1899-1973）

from the woodblock printed book, Cho（蝶）Butterfly, 1933,  20 woodblock printed plates of which 10 are in colour. Large folio, 420 x 305 mm, bound in publisher's woodblock printed boards in a new chitsu case.   here and here

[wesley-de-cornualles]

Spider Lily, by Kawarazaki Shodo (c.1960)

[typhlonectes]

Shodo Kawarazaki - "Japanese Silverleaf"

woodblock print, c. 1930-39

[japanese-plants]

Poppies by Kawarazaki Shodo (1899-1973) 

[beifongkendo]

Chrysanthemum, by Kawarazaki Shodo (ca. 1925).

[wonderlartcafe]

Kawarazaki Shodo, Sakura - Cherry Blossoms 🌸

[angelicxi]

          KAWARAZKI SHODO           evening glory & magnolia, both circa 1950