JAPANESE MON DESIGNS What is a Mon? –A Mon is the term for the traditional Japanese heraldic emblem. It is depicted in two tinctures, one color and one metal, with one serving as the field. It is often enclosed by an annulet or other enclosure.

How was a Mon used? The Mon was worn as a badge and represented a person or a clan. The Mon was worn by on the back of a warrior. The design was represented in miniature on the front of the warrior.

History of the Mon - Started in the early eleventh century or the late Heian period, noble families used the symbols to identify themselves. After the Gempei Wars it was important to identify different clans in battle. Mons were awarded to people who distinguished themselves in battle.

VARIOUS CLAN BANNERS (FAR RIGHT TOKUGAWA IEYASU)

CREATE YOUR OWN MON THE MON SHOULD BE A SIMPLE DESIGN WITH NO MORE THAN TWO COLORS AT THE MOST. ONE AS A PRIMARY COLOR THE OTHER AS A BASE THE MON SHOULD BE A GEOMETRICAL SHAPE(S) (SYMETRY - BALANCE) OR REPRESENT NATURE (FLOWER, ETC). THE MON SHOULD BE EASY TO IDENTIFY.