The chrysanthemum flower, or the Jirogiku is the national emblem or crest of Japan. It is associated with the royal family and the imperial household. It represents longevity, as well as health and restoration. The chrysanthemum is also seen as a symbol of rejuvenation. First introduced during the Nara dynasty in 710, the royal family took a liking to the simple flower and retained it as their own symbol. As the imperial symbol of Japan, it is always depicted with 16 petals. It is also a reference to the head of state. The Jirogiku is also seen as a symbol of the Throne of the Emperor of Japan. During the Meiji period, no one was allowed to use the chrysanthemum as their seal aside from the emperor of Japan. This led to other family members of the Royal Family creating their own slight variations of it, which is why a 14-petaled version can also be seen sometimes on certain objects.
Bold – Light – Outlined – Colorable Each variation is included in the file package.
Japan main description
The Japanese family crests or Mons have a similar role as the English family crests. The Japanese family crest symbols, or Mons are a coat of arms used to represent families and individuals, and more recently, businesses and institutions. There is little known about the origin of these crests and the Japanese family crest symbols, but it is commonly believed that the tradition started as a fabric pattern to identify aristocratic families and individuals. It eventually evolved to being used in battles, and then became a common way of identification, even for commoners. In terms of design, there were no hard and fast rules. There seemed to be a general consensus to use a roundel that would encircle some sort of figure when designing Japanese family crest symbols. This could be a plant, a man-made shape, a natural or celestial figure as one part of it. Other mon used religious symbols, kanji, and other shapes in their design as well. The mon was also designed to be monochromatic, and colors were generally eschewed.
For commoners, however, the use of the mon, or the Japanese family crest symbol was tricky. If they had none, they would either adapt the mon of their patron or organization, or failing that, used what would be considered inappropriate mons, or developed their own altogether. The usage and choice of mons came with their own rules and were largely dictated by social customs - and its usage was monitored and enforced. For example, it was considered inappropriate to use a mon or Japanese family crest symbol already in use by someone else, and especially offensive if held by someone of a higher rank. If a situation such as that occurred, the lower-ranking person would have to change their mon or Japanese family crest symbol in order to avoid any offense or wrongdoing. Mons held by the ruling Japanese clans were legally protected and could not be used by others.