| IMPERIAL CRESTS and related kanji |
| The Imperial Family of Japan has two main crests, the Paulonia Leaves (usually green) and the Chrysanthemum. The paulonia (kiri) is a symbol of good fortune. In ancient China it was said that the phoenix nested in these trees, and in an old Chinese poem the bird sings 'Long live the king!' Therefore, the Japanese royal family adopted this crest in the Kamakura period. The Paulonia Leaves usually have three stems with smaller leaves in a 3-5-3 pattern or a 5-7-5 pattern. |
| The two crests often appear together. |
| The other Imperial crest is the mum. The mum is also from ancient China. There it was honored as not only a beautiful flower but also as a medicine that promoted longevity. When introduced in Japan, it became the noblest of flowers. The emperor Gotoba used this crest as did the three emperors who succeeded him; thereafter, it became an Imperial Household crest, though some other families were allowed to use it. After the Meiji period, only the Imperial family could use it.Mums are really quite common, found on almost any kind of cup. Since the soldiers were fighting in the name of the Emperor, this is easy to understand. They are often stylized, but again, these appear naturally as well. |
| A minor Imperial crest is a mum peeking above water. It is called the KIKU-SUI, KIKU meaning mum and SUI meaning water. |
| TAI-TEN, meaning Imperial ceremony, usually for Imperial Accession (enthronement) ceremonies. |
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| The kiri crest appears in a large variety of motifs. It is used extensively with other symbols and appears in different colors, though green is most common. The leaves and stems are often stylized, but occasionally more natural depictions have been used. When colored, stems most often appear in purple. |
| Beautiful cup with the two Imperial crests painted boldly on the rims. Inscribed on the reverse 'Infantry, 30th Regiment, 7th Company, One-Year Volunteer Service, Kudo.' |