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Japanese Family Crests
 The
Japanese love simplicity almost as much as artistry. And they are in bliss
when these are merged. It is said that it was the seventh century Emperor
Suiko who first struck upon the idea of creating a personal "logo" by
forming a picture of his various flags of state. The nobility of the time
were aptly impressed with the Emperor's new emblem of authority and many quickly
created "family crests" of their own. These first crests or ka-mon
as they are called in Japanese were formed by blending symbols of the
owner's status or interests into stylized forms which could be easily reproduced
for a variety of purposes. Then as now, the most common features of
ka-mon are elements of nature such as plants and animals as well as
architecture, symbols of beauty and even abstract design and written words.
Over time ka-mon became essential marks of status and authority and were
even found to be helpful in identifying friend from foe on the field of battle.
 It is recorded that the fifteenth century Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga was
the first to wear ka-mon emblazoned on his clothes; an idea which quickly
caught on with other samurai, eventually spreading to the merchant class
during the peaceful and prosperous Edo period (1600 - 1868). It was
with the merchants that ka-mon design reached its creative height, with
many new and imaginative crests being created for proud display on the front,
side and back of every formal kimono. Important families as well as famous
artists and craftsmen of the time did sometimes bestow their family ka-mon
on those deemed worthy of receipt, an honor of great significance for those
involved. Ka-mon use began to decline at the end of the 19th
century as Japan sought to align itself with the standards and ways of the
West. And today Ka-mon are rarely seen or used in Japan and are
regarded by most Japanese as somewhat mysterious symbols of their
family's past. Fortunately though, the artists and illustrators of old
Japan did a splendid job of capturing many beautiful and interesting ka-mon
in their work. Examples of Edo period ka-mon are especially
plentiful in the many woodblock prints and illustrated books created during this
time (note the ka-mon on the kimono of the men in the Edo-era
print image above). So while ka-mon have largely lost their
function in modern Japanese society, their past importance and utility are
forever captured in the art and literature of this incredible culture.
Research on Japanese Family Crests
http://www.netpersons.co.jp/kamon/origin.html
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