mon from Kuro Tomesode with Bamboo
Mon (Crests)
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mon from Kuro Tomesode with Bamboo |
Mon are "highly stylised patterns based on geometrical, floral or animal forms" which were originally used to distinguish families. Most mon designs are based either on flowers or geometrical designs. However, a few are based on the animals of the zodiac, birds, or butterflies. Many of the popular mon are derived from ones once used by the aristocracy, particularly those used by members of the royal family. (
Amstutz, 1970: 9)The mon, pictured to the left, is of two feathers enclosed by a circle.
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kiri no go mon |
Several of the kimono in the Museum of Anthropology's collection have the kiri no go mon which was an Imperial crest. Until the early twentieth century, only members of the Royal family could wear that crest, which consists of the flowers and leaves of the paulownia tree. (Pictured to the right)
Kuro tomesode always have five mon: one on the either side of the collar on the front, and three across the back of the shoulders. The mon are visible in the examples below as the small white circles.
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Front View |
Back View |
References Cited:
Amstutz, Walter (editor) (1970) Japanese Emblems and Designs, Zurich: Amstrutz De Clivo Press.
