Glossary of Terms
Click on the letter to go to the desired section.
Carp (koi): symbol of great aspirations and strength, often represented leaping a waterfall.
Catfish (namazu): Traditionally thought to be the cause of earthquakes.
Cats (neko): often credited with supernatural powers.
Cha-no-yu: the tea ceremony.
Chambara: sword fighting in Kabuki dramas.
Chapbook: name used for the publications of popular literature, cheap in price and illustrated with woodblock prints.
Chaya (-jaya): a teahouse or restaurant.
Chidori: a plover.
Chirimen-e: a creped print, reduced in size by crinkling between two beveled boards.
Choki-bune: a small open boat.
Chônin (Townsmen): the term included the artisan and merchant class who lived in the urban centers of the Edo period.
Chozu-bachi: a water cistern, basin for washing hands.
Chrysanthemum: a symbol of purity. The 16-petal variety is the Imperial badge.
Chûban: a medium print size 10 x 7-1/2 inches (26 x 19 cm).
Chûgen: a samurai's manservant.
Chukei: a large folding fan.
Crane: a symbol of longevity.
Crow (karasu): thought to be a messenger of the gods.
Cuckoo: a symbol of summer.
