<p><b>Find the beauty and meaning of over 850 family crests found in Japanese tradition.</b></p><p>Bold iconic designs have been used to symbolize family names in Japan from the time of the court nobles in the twelfth century. The sense of &ldquo;family&rdquo; has changed in modern Japan but the crests&rsquo; high-contrast motifs and simple geometries are right at home in our logo-emblazoned age even as the designs express old cultural interests and ideals: cherry blossoms well buckets floating clouds. This book contains over 850 family crests <I>(kamon)</I> with descriptions cultural backgrounds and a selection of photographs showing how crests are used on banners signs and buildings. Of special interest to graphic designers quilt-makers and illustrators.</p></div>