Left Mitsu Tomoe (rough sketch) Wrapping Paper

The left and right of the tomoe pattern are not determined by the direction of the swirl, but by a rational name created from the diagram. This is something that a skilled artist would understand immediately, but a teacher who has never drawn a crest might only be concerned with the direction of the swirl. However, even a skilled artist can get confused about the left and right of the tomoe pattern. In such cases, they recall a useful oral tradition... First, they clench their left palm and look at their wrist. The shape is that of a left tomoe. If they clench their right palm, the shape of a right tomoe appears instantly. (from 'The Story of Family Crests' by Tsumao Awagasaka, p.61) This design is a rough sketch specification. It is a standard rule that the tail of the tomoe does not touch the outer circle (basic circle). (Reference: 'The Story of Family Crests' by Tsumao Awagasaka, p.63 and 'The Magic of Manji, The Curse of Tomoe' p.145)