Elements Of Japanese Design: Handbook Of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism [Paperback]

John Dower (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1990

The Elements of Japanese Design is a library of traditional Japanese design motifs in the form of more than 2,700 family crests ( mon) compiled and drawn by a Kyoto publisher and bookseller early in the twentieth century, and selected and interpreted by John Dower, a leading American scholar of Japan.

First used for identification on the battlefield beginning in the twelfth century, mon developed into symbols of family pride and fortune and quintessential expressions of the Japanese design sensibility—especially in their economy of means, exquisite detailing, and boldness of composition. The motifs employed in these family crests are also a fascinating window into the symbolic system of traditional Japan, which drew from a rich palette of natural phenomena, plants, animals, abstract devices, and manmade objects.

This book will be a source of pleasure and inspiration to anyone interested in the basic elements of Japanese design, and of valuable information to anyone wishing to know more about the remarkable culture that produced it.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Dower first encountered Japanese family crests while working as an editor and book designer. His interest in them led him to devote several years to collecting and classifying them.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill (August 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834802295
• ISBN-13: 978-0834802292
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.6 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John W. Dower is professor emeritus of history at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His interests lie in modern Japanese history and U.S.-Japan relations. He is the author of several books, including Ways of Forgetting, War Without Mercy, Cultures of War, and Embracing Defeat, which received numerous honors (including the Pulitzer Prize).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's more than what you think it is!, October 5, 2002

By 

AxeTopher "AxeTopher" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elements Of Japanese Design: Handbook Of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism (Paperback)

I didn't realize the true value of this book until a year after I had initially read it.

It's a great book about Japanese crests. The pictures are clear and very sharp. There are a lot of kamon in the book, but not as many as others, so I put the book down...my mistake!

The book is filled with descriptions of the meanings and significance of each kamon! Mr. Dower writes of where the crest orginated when it is used, what season it is associated with, what meaning it has if associated with other motifs, etc. With the text and pictures one can actually recognize and understand the symbolism in Japanese art, kimono, etc. I can now tell what season it is in Japan by just looking at the kimono people wear or the tapestry hung on the wall (if the people who wear the kimono, hung the tapestry, etc. understand the symbolism...which many now don't :(...)!

There is also a short history of the kamon in the beginning :) The story of how the author came upon the illustrations for the crests is very interesting, too!

But...this book will not tell you the surnames that go with the crest. Granted, it will tell you of some of the really famous names that go with some of famous kamon, but not all of them.

I think this book is a must for anyone who is really interested in Japanese culture. (The other books on kamon I have are just for people interested in kamon.) I have loved it so much that the binding is coming apart...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dower's book a classic, May 13, 2001

By 

Merrily Baird (atlanta, ga USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elements Of Japanese Design: Handbook Of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism (Paperback)

John Dower's study of Japanese crests and heraldry benefits from the same lucid writing and impeccable research that this MIT historian has brought to all of his work, including his recent National Book Award study of postwar Japan. The illustrations are excellent and the introduction, in particular, should be required reading for all those interested in Japanese history, heraldry, and samurai practices. It is just as valuable for those with a more generic interest in how heraldry has been used over time and across cultures.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars for Artists and craftsmen - a true delight, August 10, 2006

By 

S. Hayashi (Dublin, OH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elements Of Japanese Design: Handbook Of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism (Paperback)

Incredibly indepth coverage of Japanese family crests; a wealth of information on the subject. Detailed designs give rise to much inspiration to artists and crafters who enjoy Japanese history and culture.