rush mat with a floral or bulrush pattern
A traditional Japanese woven mat made from igusa (rush), often featuring a decorative floral or bulrush design. Used as a floor covering, especially in summer.
In summer, we spread a floral rush mat on the veranda to cool off.
Thick, rectangular straw mats used as flooring; 花ござ is thinner and often used as a portable mat or covering.
Standard spelling; the second kanji 茣蓙 is rare, so ござ is commonly written in kana.
Full kanji form; 茣蓙 is not a jōyō kanji and is rarely used in modern writing.
Compound of 花 (hana, 'flower') and ござ (goza, 'rush mat'). The exact origin of ござ is uncertain, but it may derive from 茣蓙, a kanji compound used specifically for rush mats.