Family crests are coats of arms that have been used in Japan since ancient times to identify families and individuals. They exert influence in contemporary culture not only because of their historical and cultural value, but because they appear in manga and anime. Their motifs are often chosen for tattoos and other designs. This book displays more than 2500 family crests, explaining their meaning. This book can be used as a reference for designs, tattoo motifs, illustration and more. Today, it is said that there are currently around 200 basic types of family crest and around 5000 different designs that use the same motifs. The crests are organised around the motifs of 'plants', 'animals', 'natural phenomena', 'martial values', 'patterns and designs', and 'buildings and vessels'. In addition, this book is gorgeously illustrated with plenty of photographs and illustrated examples of motifs that make up family crests, along with dyeing works, handicrafts, and contemporary designs created in the image of family crests. ISBN 9784756257260. Pie Books. pb. 352 pages. full colour. 21 x 14.8 cm.available
