Rabbit made of bamboo wood and red sticker
Origin : Japan
Made of : wood
Classification : creatures / mammals
Maker : ?
About "rabbit" (usagi - 兎) :
Images of rabbits decorate many Japanese objects including a lot of hahsioki.
Rabbits are popular because in the Japanese folklore a rabbit pounding rice is said to live on the moon. He is making mochi (rice cake) for the festival of the moon in Automn (O-tsuki-mi). Some spots on the moon surface form indeed a shape that can be interpreted as the image of the moon rabbit working the rice.
The rabbit or hare is also one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs which are also used in Japan. In the Chinese zodiac, it's the year of birth which determines the sign as follows :
About "bamboo" (take - 竹) :
Bamboo is a quick growing evergreen grass that has been used in Japan for construction and various arts and crafts for many centuries.
Even the strongest tree can brake against strong winds. The bamboo bends, it flexes, nearly touches the ground, but never breaks. Bamboos symbolize the idea that a man must keep his integrity whatever happens to him.
In case of earthquake, bamboo forests are considered as a safe place to find shelter. The interlaced bamboo roots hold the ground and there is no risk of being crashed by a tree.
A bamboo forest near Kyoto
A japanese fountain with water piping and ladle made of bamboo
