Karakusa 唐草
唐 Tang dynasty/Chinese · 草 grass/plant
Karakusa (arabesque) is a pattern of scrolling, interlacing vines. Because the vines stretch and spread vigorously in all directions, it symbolizes vitality, longevity, and prosperity. The motif reached Japan from the continent in antiquity.
The pattern appears as scrollwork of budding vines or swirling vine-like arabesques. A specific variation called tako karakusa resembles octopus tentacles, with leaves attached in a way that mimics the sprawling reach of an octopus's limbs.