Heraldry

Heraldry here refers to not just the formal system of individual symbology developed in Europe in the 12th century, but also to field signs and vexillology in general.

Western heraldry

The earliest known work of heraldic jurisprudence was De Insigniis et Armis, written around 1350 CE by Bartolus de Saxoferrato.

Japanese heraldry

Japanese heraldry originated in the mid-Heian period (900-1000 CE). Like Western heraldry, it was restricted to the nobility.

紋 - the character for mon

Books to Read

• Stephen Turnbull. Samurai Heraldry. Osprey Publishing, 2002. (excellent English intro with dates and usage information)
• John W. Dower. The Elements of Japanese Design: A Handbook of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism. Shambhala Publications, 1990. (explains the symbolism and brief histories of many crests, but light on details)
• An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Family Crests. Graphic-sha, 2001. (one of many mon collections; this one has good variety and crest names in both kanji and kana)
• Taniguchi Gyokusen, Sekigahara Gosen ni Manabu (Houzouji, 1983)
• Yoshia Taiyou, Kamon Kakei Jiten (Shoubunsha, 1987)

Web Links

A Roll of Japanese Armory