The meaning and origin of heraldic design motifs used in accessories
The meaning and origin of design motifs using coats of arms
Coat of arms motif designs are commonly seen in antique jewelry and street accessories in recent years, and are extremely popular.
Its origins date back to the Middle Ages in Europe, and its necessity grew as society evolved.
Seals used to prove social credibility, such as the seals used in Sassanid Persia that were rolled on clay tablets, exist outside of Europe and Japan, but coats of arms that identify individuals or families are said to exist only in Europe and Japan.
The seal mentioned above is similar to the kao used in samurai society in Japan, so it is considered to fall outside the category of a "crest."
Heraldic design in the West
As mentioned at the beginning, it is a very important social symbol in Europe, and in the UK there is still a specialized College of Arms where it is strictly managed.
It is said that originally, coats of arms were used to prove one's affiliation on surcoats, and from there they came to be used on military equipment (shields) and other items.
The lily, eagle, and lion, which are frequently used by modern jewelry brands, are the top three designs used in coats of arms.
American brands often feature designs that use some kind of heraldic motif in a shield-shaped design, but this is less common with European brands.
Apart from the "Great Coat of Arms" that were completed towards the end of the 16th century, coats of arms that were inscribed on portable items such as shields can be said to be extremely excellent designs as items to prove one's individuality in modern times.
Coat of arms design in Japan
The most representative heraldic design in Japan is the "family crest," which is a popular design motif for brands that use Japanese patterns.
The difference with the West is that it is not so strict that it can identify "individuals."
As a result, there are fewer Japanese family crests than Western ones.
Auspicious items or coat of arms designs related to one's origins
It is not uncommon for auspicious objects to be used in coats of arms designs, both in the East and the West.
It is also not uncommon for Japanese family crests to incorporate ethnic symbols derived from the shrike, such as the red dragon on the Welsh flag.
Even in modern times, there are many accessory designs that incorporate so-called auspicious motifs.