https://arun.is/blog/japan-symbols/
"In modern life, we are surrounded by symbols that guide our everyday
movements. When I’m driving, the red octagonal sign on the street reminds me to
stop even before I read the word on the sign. And similarly, other street signs
signal their meaning through their shape and their color far more than the
exact lettering on them.
And still, in my life here in the United States, words are still needed to
convey meaning. A perfect example is the new driver sticker that I often see on
the backs of cars around here. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Japan has many
examples of symbols that convey meaning entirely on their own. There are no
associated words, and they often convey mutual understanding, where the person
displaying a mark and passersby both know what it means. Japan has a very long
history of graphic symbols.
The most famous are probably the mon or kamon. They’re Japan’s version of the
heraldic system. Unlike other forms like the famous Western coats of arms,
these are very simple geometric shapes, often originating from natural sources
such as plants and animals, or pure geometric shapes. These found themselves
emblazoned on everything from flags and decorations on carriages and other
sorts of transportation, but also as decorative designs on finely made
objects."
Via Esther Schindler.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
