Background of Hanakomon (花個紋)
The family crest, known as the 'Kamon,' originated in the latter era of the Heian period (late 8th to end 12th century). Initially employed by aristocrats, the kamon served as a symbol to identify their social position, lineage, and class. During the Kamakura period (late 12th century to 1333), samurai clans adopted family crests for the dual purpose of differentiating allies from adversaries in the heat of battle and showcasing their clan's martial accomplishments.
As time progressed, these unique motifs, composed of elements like flora, fauna, and celestial bodies, evolved into family crests that simply represented one’s family or clan. It is passed down from one generation to another, to serve as a reminder of one’s roots and ancestry.
In modern day Japan, the Hanakomon (花個紋) or Daily Flower Crest was created to connect people and thoughts. There are 366 unique flower crests, one for each day of the year. It is regarded as an auspicious sign for that specific day, and can be used as a personal birthday symbol or to commemorate a memorable date with blessings.
Takaokaya hopes to celebrate your special day with our Hanakomon Kangu. Now, not only can you customize your Kangu with your chosen fabric, you can also personalize it with your Hanakomon!
Unveiling the Craft: A Peep into the Hanakomon Printing Process
We made a visit to our partner's silkscreen printing workshop to capture behind-the-scenes moments on how Hanakomon is imprinted onto fabric so it lasts.
Do you know that silkscreen printing is a sophisticated stenciling technique for surface printing, in which the stencil is created from fine-mesh silk then printed by rubbing, rolling, or spraying paint or ink through the stenciled areas?
On display at the workshop: All 366 Flower Crests Silkscreen Printed on Black Cloth Banners.
Like an artist's studio, there were many pots of colored ink and there were boxes and boxes of silkscreen stencils. It was fascinating to see the big pot of gold ink because it looked like melted gold.
The team picked out 6 different birthday flower crests to be silkscreen printed in the 6 different metallic colors that we are offering.
The workshop owner used special inks with high viscosity (thicker in texture) for printing the Hanakomon for a more beautiful and lasting finish.
Ready, Action, GO: Applying the ink on the brush and with steady hands, complete the printing in 1 single stroke!
Easy Does It: Removing the screen carefully so there are no smudges. "Viola!" The perfect Hanakomon print is done!
- Blue
- Green
- Pink
- Purple
- Gold
- Silver
