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The over 4,000 individual designs collected here repre- sent tlie 900-year-old tradition of Japanese family crests. Through constant variation and invention over the cen- turies, this has become one of the richest graphic art traditions in the world.
Most of these motifs are circular, and they can all be fitted into a square. Within those limitations is a seem- ingly endless range of design, beginning with the dozens and do/ens of root motifs—rice plant, gingko, scallop, lightning, anchor, spool, raft, candle, scissors, fern, sake bottle, lotus blossom, lotus root, mountain, arrow, Bud- dhist cross, pine, wisteria, ship, butterfly, tortoise shell, rabbit, Chinese characters, iron drawer-handle, key, sickle, and so many others that it would be impossible to list even half of them here. Practically every kind of plant, bird, animal, natural phenomenon and manufactured object of Japanese culture was at one time or another in- cluded in a family crest. In addition, each of the root designs was treated to dozens of imaginative variations— they were reproduced bilaterally, in triangles, diamonds, five and six-pointed stars, in spirals, were built up in scries, made to overlap, combined with each other, and so on. Some of these are classic and recognizable designs, like the "yin-yang," the linked rings, the fylfot, and the "treasure knot." Many of the others have rarely been seen in the West before.
The graphic artist, textile designer, pattern-maker, ad- vertiser, and any other commercial artist looking for an untapped source of novel, appealing and striking designs will find a wealth of material here. Some of these can be used to suggest an oriental or exotic flavor; others are universal and can be used almost anywhere.
Unabridged republication of the catalogue originally compiled around 1913 by the Matsuya Piece-Goods Store, Tokyo. Translation of original I ore word and .table of contents, and new introduction by Fumie Adaclhi. New English index. 4,260 designs, 421pp. 11 x 8 (oblong) . Paperbound.
This book is part of the Dover series of Pictorial Archives. Individual items are copyright-free, and may be used (up to 10 items per occasion) without further payment, per- mission or acknowledgment. You purchase such rights when you buy the book.
A DOVER EDITION DESIGNED FOR YEARS OF USE!
We have made every effort to make this the best book possible. Our paper is opaque, with minimal show- through; it will not discolor or become brittle with age. Pages are bound in signatures, in the method traditionally used for the best books, and will not drop out. Books open flat for easy reference. The binding will not crack or split. This is a permanent book.

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