Names of Tenkara tackle

[flatsghost]

I was in a garden centre today and noticed a type of Japanese Maple (aka Acer) named ' Seiryu'. Is it common for the Japanese to name tackle/rods etc after plants? Of course I have no idea what 'Seiryu' means - it could stand for 'big trout' for all I know!!
Cheers
Glyn

[Paul G]

If you take the original kanjii characters (derived from Chinese writing) seiryu can mean "blue dragon" - so I don't know if that makes sense given the colour of the foliage?

The sound "ryu" can also be written as a different kanji which means "flow". Adding "hon" to "ryu" to make "honryu" sort of means "core flow" and can be used to describe "main river" channels. Keiryu is used to refer to upper mountain reaches (hence keiryu fishing is a generalised term for mountain stream fishing).

In a Japanese fishing context "seiryu" is used to refer to clear streams.

[Deleted]

Seiryu is also Azure Dragon a Chinese constellation symbol

[Paul G]

yeah blue/azure

Didn't realise it was also a constellation.

[flatsghost]

Thanks a lot chaps for the information. I shall look again at the next garden centre visit for more clues.I had a feeling that it would be one or both of you who would reply to this one!! The foliage of this particular specimen was a pale lime green so no blue Paul.
Perhaps TUSA had consulted the Japanese language/people before deciding on the names of their various weapons?
All very interesting stuff to me.
Tight lines
Glyn

[Deleted]

Seiryu is the name of our 12ft 6:4 rod and it was chosen because of the connection to "clear streams"

[flatsghost]

Thanks Mike - only just spotted your reply. Good to meet you albeit briefly yesterday.
Glyn