笂
quiver, arrow holder, (kokuji)
Strokes9
Readings
On'yomi
—
Kun'yomi
- うつぼ
Meaning
笂 centers on a container for arrows: a quiver or arrow holder. It is a kokuji created in Japan for this specific object.
Study
Etymology
笂 is a Japanese kokuji formed by combining 竹 (bamboo) and 丸 (round), suggesting a round bamboo container for arrows.
Meaning mnemonic
Bamboo 竹 is woven into a round 丸 shape to make a quiver: 笂 holds arrows.
Reading mnemonic
For うつぼ, imagine an arrow quiver made of bamboo that is so full it looks like a round 'utsubo' (a type of eel-like fish) – the shape and name both fit: うつぼ.