Given that 境 breaks down into recognizable, simple components (土, 立, 日, and 儿) …
Actually, Henshall divides 境 into just two parts: 土 (the radical tsuchihen) and 竟. The radical 土 means “ground.” And 竟 means “to finish” or “end.” So we have ground + end. Wherever the ground ends, that’s the boundary.
The non-Jōyō kanji 竟 combines 音 (sound) and 儿 (a bent figure). Some scholars think that 竟 originally indicated the conclusion of a musical recital, perhaps with a bow from the performer.
The 竟 form also shows up in 鏡 (kagami: mirror). So that’s why it looks so familiar! I’ve been wondering!
