Kamon Symbols of Japan Logo Vector File Download

Kamon Symbols of Japan vector logo (SVG, Ai, EPS, PNG and PDF format) Free Download

Free Download Kamon Symbols of Japan logo vector SVG, PDF, Ai and other design files.

Japanese Unique Emblem System

The term "Kamon" refers to a crest used in Japan to indicate one's origins; that is, one's family lineage, blood line, ancestry and status from ancient times. It is also referred to simply as “Mondokoro” or “Mon”. It is said that there are more than 20,000 distinct individual Kamon in Japan. Kamon are often referred to as Family Crests which are European heraldic device similar to the Kamon in function, but it is different in many ways. Except for European heraldic device, none of the countries have similar traditional heraldic device system which identifies family or clan. Kamon is a unique culture and tradition you can find only in Japan.

Spread of use of Kamon among Samurai and the Nobility

It can be said that Kamon is an example of Japan's own culture which has been in use up to the present day. A Kamon was created to serve as an unique emblem that represented a family's identity, clearly revealing the family name of its owner. Later, Buke (samurai warriors) and Kuge (the nobility) made use of Kamon, which are classified into some groups according to blood line or historical origin. Each group consists of representative Kamon and their variations. Kamon spread widely and were used on even graves, furniture, and ships. It was natural for Kamon to be placed on weapons like Samurai Sword (Katana) and Samurai armor (Kacchu). However, although there were no limitations placed upon usage, freely using other family's Kamon caused friction or conflict. Especially using Kamon of a higher class, such as Daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) or Shogun (general) created more friction. Hence, there was an unspoken rule to avoid using the Kamon that is already used by high class clan or family as much as possible.

Kamon became the symbol of Japanese Samurai

The origin of Kamon goes far back to the latter part of Heian Period. Around the end of Heian Period, Kuge (the noblity) such as; Sanesue SAIONJI and Saneyoshi TOKUDAIJI, began placing their own Mon on their oxcarts and walked around Streets, showing off their Mon. Afterwards, Kamon became popular among Kuge and various Kamon were created. The Kamon of Buke (Samurai warriors) were created later than those of Kuge at the end of the Heian Period, when conflict between Heiji-clan and Genji-clan became more violent. It is considered to have originated from the fact that Samurai used their original designs on Hatamaku (samurai flag) or Manmaku (samurai curtains) to advertise their achievements or to show off. It seems that in the middle of Kamakura Period almost all samurai displayed Kamon and this became an established custom among samurai class.