Bamboo Kamon is an elegant pattern featuring Japanese Kamon, or family crests.

Mon or Kamon are the Japanese version of family crests or coats of arms.   They are believed to have started as early as the twelfth century. They were first used as fabric patterns on clothes to distinguish individuals or indicate membership in a specific family or organization. The symbols were adopted as a distinguishing feature in battle and displayed on flags and equipment.

Like European heraldry, mon were initially held only by aristocratic families, and were gradually adapted by commoners. Mon were also adapted by various organizations, such as merchants, artisan guilds, temples and shrines.

Japanese traditional formal clothing generally displays the mon of the wearer.

Mon are often derived from nature, although many other elements are used for inspiration. All the designs used here are derived from bamboo. Illustrations of these crests were found in a book “ The Elements of Japanese Design” by John W. Dower, published by John Weatherhill Inc. in 1971. The designs were enlarged and modified as needed to be suitable for applique.

Blocks are twelve inches square, finished.  Here are closeup photos of a couple of the blocks so you can see the detail:

A block from Bamboo Kamon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fabric requirements:

Taupe/Cream: 1 ½ yards

Dark Brown: 2 yards

Assorted taupe and brown small scale prints or tonals, at least ten different fabrics. fat eights or fat quarters of each will be plenty. Tonals work well for the trunk and branches of the bamboo.

Paper backed fusible web: 12 sheets, 10 by 13 inches or 4 ½ yards of a 12 inch wide roll.

This pattern can be purchased through Pattern Spot using this link: