Japanese Design Motifs

The Art of Japanese Family Crests: A Timeless Graphic Tradition.

This remarkable collection showcases over 4,000 individual designs from the 900-year-old tradition of Japanese family crests (kamon). Throughout centuries of evolution and creativity, these crests have become one of the world’s most enduring and diverse forms of graphic art.

Most of these motifs are circular in shape, yet they can all be seamlessly fitted into a square—a unique design challenge that inspired countless variations. The collection features a vast array of root motifs, including rice plants, ginkgo leaves, scallop shells, lightning bolts, anchors, spools, rafts, candles, scissors, ferns, sake bottles, lotus blossoms, mountain arrows, pine trees, wisteria, ships, rabbits, and many more. Practically every plant, animal, natural phenomenon, and crafted object from Japanese culture has, at some point, been represented in a family crest.

Beyond the core motifs, these designs exhibit endless creativity through imaginative variations. Some are arranged bilaterally, others take the form of triangles, diamonds, five- and six-pointed stars, spirals, or overlapping patterns. Classic symbols like the yin-yang, linked rings, and treasure knot are familiar to many, while numerous other motifs have rarely been seen in the West.

This collection is a treasure trove for graphic artists, textile designers, pattern-makers, advertisers, and anyone seeking fresh, captivating design ideas. Whether aiming to evoke an exotic touch or incorporate universally appealing patterns, these motifs offer limitless inspiration and aesthetic potential.