Author : Source Wikipedia
Publisher : University-Press.org
Page : 20 pages
File Size : 48,25 MB
Release : 2013-09
Category :
ISBN : 9781230503738
Book Description
Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 19. Chapters: F rinkazan, Government Seal of Japan, Hata-jirushi, Horo (cloak), Imperial Seal of Japan, Kagome crest, Mon (emblem), Nobori, Sashimono, Seal (East Asia), Tomoe, Uma-jirushi. Excerpt: Mon )(plural mon), also monsh ), mondokoro ), and kamon ), are Japanese emblems used to decorate and identify an individual or family. While mon is encompassing term that may refer to any such device, kamon and mondokoro refer specifically to emblems used to identify a family. These devices are quite similar to the badges and coats of arms in European heraldic tradition, which likewise are used to identify individuals and families. Mon are often referred to as crests in Western literature, which is another European heraldic device that mimics the mon in function. It is thought that mon originated as fabric patterns to be used on clothes in order to distinguish individuals or signify membership in a specific clan or organisation. By the twelfth 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. Like European heraldry, mon were initially held only by aristocratic families, and were gradually adapted by commoners. On the battlefield, mon served as army standards, even though this usage was not universal and uniquely designed army standards were just as common as mon-based standards. (cf. sashimono, uma-jirushi) Mon were also adapted by various organizations, such as merchant and artisan guilds, temples and shrines, theatre troupes and even criminal gangs. In an illiterate society, they served as useful symbols for recognition. Japanese traditional formal attire generally displays the mon of the wearer. Commoners without mon often used the mon of their patron or the organization they belonged to. In cases when...