Maruni arashitsuki hidari sangai matsu tea towel

【Maruni arashitsuki hidari sangai matsu】A pine crest. The pine crest is a design that symbolizes an old pine tree, with its branches formed in a tiered shape. Typically, the number of tiers is three, hence the name 'sangai matsu' or 'three-tiered pine.' It's also known as 'saigusa matsu.' The crest is associated with the Saigusa clan, who used this design. There are variations of this crest with branches leaning to the right or left; the one leaning to the left is called 'hidari sangai.' (from 'Nihon Monshogaku' by Numata Relosuke)