巴
ハ, ともえ, うずまき, とも

comma-design

JLPT1 G13 S0 F2082

A depiction of a person spread flat on the ground (compare 匍) → *spread open*; *cling/stick to* (← cling/stick to the earth; compare 爬). The borrowed meaning *swirling design* is based on the resemblance between 巴 and the swirling patterns on an archer's elbow protectors (ともえ) → *whirlpool*; *vortex*.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]