Chrysanthemums were introduced to Japan as a medicinal herb during the Nara period,
and during the Heian period, chrysanthemum banquets came to be held during
the Chrysanthemum Festival to pray for good health and longevity.
This is a gorgeous auspicious pattern with chrysanthemum flowers, inspired by
decorative knots and set against a delicate leaf design.
This pattern is designed to depict a land-scape of autumn leaves flowing in running water.
Its name comes from the Tatsuta-gawa River in Nar a Prefecture,
which is famous for its autumn leaves.
In the Kokin Wakashu, its beauty is likened to brocade (a noble t extile):
“Autumn leaves flow in turbulence on the Tatsutagawa River, and if I cr oss it,
the brocade will likely break in the middle.”