Mon (emblem)

File:Heiji Monogatari Emaki - Sanjo scroll part 2.jpg}} showing several {{nihongo3|bullock cart|牛車|gissha}} with {{transliteration|ja|mon}} fleeing a battle; the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with nine circles is called {{transliteration|ja|kuyō-mon}}, representing the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and two imaginary stars, and was believed to ward off evil. The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of cranes represented good fortune, longevity, and prosperity of the descendants.]]

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} originated in the mid-Heian period ({{c.|900–1000}}) as a way to identify individuals and families among the nobility. They had a pecking order, and when {{nihongo3|bullock cart|牛車|gissha}} passed each other on the road, the one with the lower status had to give way, and the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} was painted on the {{transliteration|ja|gissha}}. The {{transliteration|ja|Heiji Monogatari Emaki}}, an {{nihongo3|picture scroll|絵巻物|emakimono}} depicting the Heiji rebellion, shows {{transliteration|ja|mon}} painted on {{transliteration|ja|gissha}}. Gradually, the nobility began to use {{transliteration|ja|mon}} on their own costumes, and the samurai class that emerged in the late Heian period and came to power in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) also began to use {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01578/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420034414/https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01578/|title="Kamon": Japan's Family Crests|publisher=nippon.com|date=10 February 2023|archive-date=20 April 2023|access-date=29 April 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-data/h01578/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130070943/https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-data/h01578/|script-title=ja:家紋: 庶民の家にまで普及した紋章|language=ja|publisher=nippon.com|date=10 January 2023|archive-date=30 January 2023|access-date=29 April 2023}} By the 12th century, sources give a clear indication that heraldry had been implemented as a distinguishing feature, especially for use in battle. It is seen on flags, tents, and equipment. On the battlefield, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} served as army standards, even though this usage was not universal and uniquely designed army standards were just as common as {{transliteration|ja|mon}}-based standards (cf. {{transliteration|ja|sashimono}}, {{transliteration|ja|uma-jirushi}}).

Gradually, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} spread to the lower classes, and in the Muromachi period (1336–1573), merchants painted emblems on their shop signs, which became {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. In the Edo period (1603–1867), kabuki actors used {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, and the general public was allowed to choose and use their favorite {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. By the Genroku period (1680–1709) in the early Edo period, the use of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} was fully established among the general public. However, the use of the chrysanthemum {{transliteration|ja|mon}} used by the imperial family and the hollyhock {{transliteration|ja|mon}} used by the Tokugawa clan (Tokugawa shogunate) was prohibited. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} were also adapted by various organizations, such as merchant and artisan guilds, temples and shrines, theater troupes and even criminal gangs. In an illiterate society, they served as useful symbols for recognition.

{{Gallery

|align=center

|width=180

|height=180

|File:Retrato de Ichikawa Yaozo III, Utagawa Kunimasa.jpg| The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} on the right sleeve of the kimono of Kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozo III, dressed as Umeōmaru. The kanji {{lang|ja|八}}, meaning 'eight', is written within the triple square. Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) by Utagawa Kunimasa, 1796.

|File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg|The Imperial Seal of Japan—a stylized chrysanthemum blossom

|File:Mitsubaaoi.svg|The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the Tokugawa shogunate, three hollyhock leaves inside a circle

}}

Japanese traditional formal attire generally displays the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the wearer. Commoners without {{transliteration|ja|mon}} often used those of their patron or the organization they belonged to. In cases when none of those were available, they sometimes used one of the few {{transliteration|ja|mon}} which were seen as "vulgar", or invented or adapted whatever {{transliteration|ja|mon}} they wished, passing it on to their descendants. It was not uncommon for shops, and therefore shop-owners, to develop {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to identify themselves.

Occasionally, patron clans granted the use of their {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to their retainers as a reward. Similar to the granting of the patron's surnames, this was considered a very high honor. Alternatively, the patron clan may have added elements of its {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to that of its retainer, or chosen an entirely different {{transliteration|ja|mon}} for them.

{{-}}

File:Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle with Aoi Crests.jpg sake}} bottle with Tokugawa clan's {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, 18th century, Edo period]]

File:kamon himeji.jpg]]

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} motifs can be broadly classified into five categories: animals, plants, nature, buildings and vehicles, and tools and patterns, each with its own meaning. The most common animal motifs are the crane and the turtle, which, according to tradition, were symbols of longevity and were used to wish the family a long and prosperous life. Plant {{transliteration|ja|mon}} were symbols of wealth and elegance, so they were often used to wish for the improvement of the family's social status and economic power, and motifs such as wisteria and paulownia were often used. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} depicting buildings, vehicles, or tools often indicated occupation or status. For example, a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with a {{transliteration|ja|torii}} gate indicated a family associated with Shinto, a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with a {{transliteration|ja|gissha}} wheel indicated nobility, and a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with a crowbar indicated a family associated with construction. The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of nature was a symbol of respect for nature and prayers for a good harvest, and motifs such as the moon, mountains, and thunder were used.

The most commonly used {{transliteration|ja|mon}} motifs are wisteria, paulownia, hawk feathers, flowering quince, and creeping woodsorrel, which are called the {{nihongo3|five major {{transliteration|ja|mon}}|五大紋|godaimon}}. However, according to a dictionary of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} published by Shogakukan, oak is listed instead of paulownia. There are more than 150 types of wisteria {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, and their use by the Fujiwara clan led to their popularization.{{cite web|url=https://irohakamon.com/kamon/fuji/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212111436/https://irohakamon.com/kamon/fuji/|script-title=ja:藤紋（ふじ）について|language=ja|publisher=Kamon no iroha|archive-date=12 February 2023|access-date=29 April 2023}}

Similar to the blazon in European heraldry, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are also named by the content of the design, even though there is no set rule for such names. Unlike in European heraldry, however, this "blazon" is not prescriptive—the depiction of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} does not follow the name—instead the names only serve to describe the {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. The pictorial depictions of the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are not formalized and small variations of what is supposed to be the same {{transliteration|ja|mon}} can sometimes be seen, but the designs are for the most part standardized through time and tradition.

The degree of variation tolerated differ from {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to {{transliteration|ja|mon}} as well. For example, the paulownia crest with 5-7-5 leaves is reserved for the prime minister, whereas paulownia with fewer leaves could be used by anyone. The imperial chrysanthemum also specifies 16 petals, whereas chrysanthemum with fewer petals are used by other lesser imperial family members.

Japanese heraldry does not have a cadency or quartering system, but it is not uncommon for cadet branches of a family to choose a slightly different {{transliteration|ja|mon}} from the senior branch. Each princely family ({{transliteration|ja|shinnōke}}), for example, uses a modified chrysanthemum crest as their {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} holders may also combine their {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with that of their patron, benefactor or spouse, sometimes creating increasingly complicated designs.

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} are essentially monochrome; the color does not constitute part of the design and they may be drawn in any color.

File:Mitsubishi logo.svg ("three diamonds" (rhombuses), in the form of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}}]]

Virtually all modern Japanese families have a {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, but unlike before the Meiji Restoration when rigid social divisions existed, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} play a more specialized role in everyday life. On occasions when the use of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} is required, one can try to look up their families in the temple registries of their ancestral hometown or consult one of the many genealogical publications available. Many websites also offer {{transliteration|ja|mon}} lookup services. Professional wedding planners, undertakers and other "ritual masters" may also offer guidance on finding the proper {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} are seen widely on stores and shops engaged in traditional crafts and specialties. They are favored by sushi restaurants, which often incorporate a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} into their logos. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} designs can even be seen on the ceramic roof tiles of older houses. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} designs frequently decorate {{transliteration|ja|senbei}}, {{transliteration|ja|sake}}, tofu and other packaging for food products to lend them an air of elegance, refinement and tradition. The paulownia {{transliteration|ja|mon}} appears on the obverse side of the 500 yen coin.

Items symbolizing family crafts, arts or professions were often chosen as a {{transliteration|ja|mon}}; likewise, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} were, and still are, also passed down a lineage of artists. Geisha typically wear the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of their {{transliteration|ja|okiya}} (geisha house) on their clothing when working; individual geisha districts, known as {{transliteration|ja|hanamachi}}, also have their own distinctive {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, such as the plover crest ({{transliteration|ja|chidori}}) of Ponto-chō in Kyoto.

A woman may still wear her maiden {{transliteration|ja|mon}} if she wishes and pass it on to her daughters; she does not have to adopt her husband's or father's {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. Flowers, trees, plants and birds are also common elements of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} designs.{{cite web |last=Nakano |first=Mas |title=Family Crests - Mon |url=http://www.japan-society.org/?nav1=section&secid=5&subsecid=67&articleid=19 |work=Japan-Society.org |publisher=Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana |access-date=4 June 2013 |archive-date=23 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223003513/http://www.japan-society.org/?nav1=section&secid=5&subsecid=67&articleid=19 |url-status=live }}

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} also add formality to a kimono. A kimono may have one, three or five {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} themselves can be either formal or informal, depending on the formality of the kimono, with formality ranging from the most formal 'full sun' ({{transliteration|ja|hinata}}) crests to the least formal 'shadow' ({{transliteration|ja|kage}}) crests. Very formal kimono display more {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, frequently in a manner that makes them more conspicuous; the most formal kimono display {{transliteration|ja|mon}} on both sides of the chest, on the back of each sleeve, and in the middle of the back. On the armor of a warrior, it might be found on the {{transliteration|ja|kabuto}} (helmet), on the {{transliteration|ja|do}} (breast plate), and on flags and various other places. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} also adorned coffers, tents, fans and other items of importance.

As in the past, modern {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are not regulated by law, with the exception of the Imperial Chrysanthemum, which doubles as the national emblem, and the paulownia, which is the mon of the office of prime minister and also serves as the emblem of the cabinet and government (see national seals of Japan for further information). Some local governments and associations may use a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} as their logo or trademark, thus enjoying its traditional protection, but otherwise {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are not recognized by law. One of the best known examples of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} serving as a corporate logo is that of Mitsubishi, a name meaning 'three lozenges' (occasionally translated as 'three buffalo nuts'), which are represented as rhombuses.[http://www.mitsubishi.com/e/group/mark.html "The Mitsubishi Mark"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506192121/http://www.mitsubishi.com/e/group/mark.html |date=2019-05-06 }}. Mitsubishi.com. 2008. Accessed 10 August 2008. Another example of corporate use is the logo for the famous soy sauce maker Kikkoman, which uses the family {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the founder,{{Cite web |url=http://qrysta.com/my_familys_kamon_and_history |title=My family's kamon and history |access-date=2010-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214184449/http://qrysta.com/my_familys_kamon_and_history |archive-date=2012-12-14 |url-status=dead}} and finally, the logo of music instrument/equipment and motorcycle builder Yamaha, which shows three tuning forks interlocked into the shape of a capital 'Y' in reference to both their name and the origin of the company.{{Cite web |url=http://www.yamaha.com/ |title=Yamaha's logo |access-date=2014-11-19 |archive-date=2011-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221528/http://yamaha.com/ |url-status=live }}

Japanese {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are sometimes used as charges or crests in Western heraldry. They are blazoned in traditional heraldic style rather than in the Japanese style. Examples include the swastika with arrows used by Japanese ambassador Hasekura Tsunenaga, the Canadian-granted arms of the Japanese-Canadian politician David Tsubouchi,{{Cite web |url=https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/1678 |title=''David Hiroshi Tsubouchi, Public Register of Arms, Flags, and Badges of Canada |access-date=2022-03-12 |archive-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312204925/https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/1678 |url-status=live }} and Akihito's arms as a Knight of the Garter.[http://www.numericana.com/arms/akihito.htm Coat of arms of Heisi Tenno] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220110117/http://www.numericana.com/arms/akihito.htm |date=2018-12-20 }}, numericana

{{Gallery

|align=center

|width=180

|height=150

|File:HasekuraBlason.jpg|The swastika with arrows used by the 17th-century Japanese ambassador Hasekura Tsunenaga

|File:Coat of Arms of Japanese Emperor (Knight of the Garter Variant).svg|Western arms of Akihito as a Knight of the Garter, using his {{transliteration|ja|mon}} as both a charge and a crest

}}

File:Tsuru_no_Maru_inverted_A.png|Crane crest of the Mori clan (similar to Japan Airlines)

File:Sanba_Tobi_zuru_inverted.svg|Triple crane crest

File:Azai shi.PNG|Flowers in a turtle's shell

File:家紋・丸に違い鷹の羽-maruni-chigai-takanoha.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Maruni chigai takanoha}}, the crossing pair of hawk feathers in circle

File:Ageha inverted.png|{{transliteration|ja|Agehanochō}}, the swallowtail butterfly crest of the Taira clan

File:Yatagarasu A.svg|Mythical three-legged crow {{transliteration|ja|yatagarasu}}

File:Itsutsu_Chidori_inverted.jpg|Quintuple {{transliteration|ja|chidori}} bird crest

File:Kotobuki_Ebi_inverted.png|{{transliteration|ja|Kotobuki ebi}} lobster emblem

File:Sagari Fuji (No background and Black color drawing).svg|{{transliteration|ja|Sagari fuji}} (Wisteria)

File:抱き茗荷-dakimyouga.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Daki myōga}} (Japanese ginger)

File:Sasa rindo.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Sasarindō}}, the bamboo leaves and gentian flowers crest of the Minamoto clan

File:Sumikiri hana01.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Sumikirikakuni hanakaku}}

File:Tachi omodaka.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Tachi omodaka}} or upright threeleaf arrowhead (sagittaria trifolia)

File:家紋・丸に左三階松-Maruni-hidari-sankaimatsu.gif|Triple pine tree ({{transliteration|ja|maruni hidari sangaimatsu}}) of the Hira clan, member of Taira clan (Heike)

File:3tachibana 001.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Mitsugumi tachibana}} (triple mandarin orange)

File:Family crest hanawachigai.png|{{transliteration|ja|Hana wachigai}}, the device of the Izumo Genji clans (Oki, Enya, Takaoka)

File:Yotsubishi.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Yotsu hanabishi}}, the emblem of the Yanagisawa clan, Matsumoto family of kabuki actors

File:Take_ni_Suzume.svg|Sparrows and bamboo ({{transliteration|ja|take ni suzume}}) of the Date clan

File:Yatsuhiashi (No background and Black color drawing).svg|{{transliteration|ja|Yatsuashi hiashi mon}} of the Kikuchi clan (eight sun-rays)

File:家紋・九曜-kuyo.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Kuyō mon}}, representing the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and two imaginary stars

File:Japanese crest Tsuki ni Hoshi(Black background).svg|{{transliteration|ja|Tsuki ni hoshi}} (moon and star)

File:Kokumochiji Nuki Hidari Mitsudomoe.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Kokumochiji-nuki Hidari-mitsudomoe}} (thunderbolt)

File:Chigai kuginuki.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Chigai kuginuki}} (crowbar), the crest of former Prime Minister Tarō Asō

File:Suzugohei.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Suzugohei}} (Bells and {{transliteration|ja|gohei}} used in Shinto rituals)

File:Japanese Crest rokumonsen.svg|6 coin crest of Sanada clan

File:Japanese Crest Hinomaru Oogi.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Hinomaru}}-emblazoned hand fan representing Japan, crest of Satake clan

File:Japanese_crest_Tou_Uchiwa.svg|Tang dynasty-style hand fan crest

File:Gion Mamori Inverted.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Gion mamori}} shield motif. The motif is an amulet distributed by Yasaka Shrine to worship Gozu Tennō.

File:Nakagawake kurusu.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Nakagawake kurusu}} ({{ill|the cross of Nakagawa clan|ja|中川家}}). The official {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the Nakagawa clan is the oak, but this is another {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. It is hypothesized that it is patterned after the Christian cross.

File:Mitsu_Zaru_inverted.png|Three cooking pot hooks

File:家紋・丸に隅立て四つ目.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Maruni sumitate yotsumei}}, circle and four eyelets on the edge of the Uda Genji

File:Yamabishi.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Yamabishi}}, the crest of the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza clan. The motif is based on the kanji for {{nihongo3|mountain|山|yama}}.

File:Japanese Crest Maru ni Hidari Mannji.svg|Swastika, or manji emblem of the Hachisuka clan

File:Japanese Crest mitu Uroko.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Mitsu uroko}}, or crest of the Hōjō clan

File:Japanese crest Torii.svg|Torii of Shinto shrine

File:Japanese_Crest_Gennji_kuruma.svg|{{nihongo3|bullock cart||Gissha}} wheel motif of Genji clan

• Coat of arms
• Japanese rebus monogram
• List of Japanese flags
• National seals of Japan
• {{transliteration|ja|Yagō}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category multi|Heraldry of Japan|Mon (emblem)}}

{{heraldry}}

{{Heraldry by country}}

Category:Japanese heraldry

Category:Japanese coats of arms

Category:Kabuki

Category:Logos

Category:Military communication in feudal Japan

Category:Symbols

Category:Visual motifs

Category:Japanese words and phrases