shiyō 四葉

Lit. "four leaves." Abbreviation of *shiyōza 四葉座. A decorative pattern carved into the shape of four petals, and used on a gable pendant *gegyo 懸魚, and to conceal a nail-head *kugikakushi 釘隠. Shiyō are carved into wood mokugu 木具, or metal *kanagu 金具; metal shiyō are usually called shiyō kanagu 四葉金具. Shiyō became popular in the Momoyama period.