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tomoe

Tomoe is a stylized, comma-shaped swirl used in Japanese iconography. The most widely recognized form is mitsudomoe, a circle formed by three interlocking swirls. Less common variants include hitotsu-tomoe (one swirl) and futatsu-tomoe (two swirls). The symbol is written with the kanji 巴, and the reading tomoe is used both in reference to the motif and in given names.

Historically, tomoe appeared in kamon, or family crests, of samurai clans and other households. It was commonly

In contemporary Japan, the tomoe remains a popular decorative motif. It appears in logo design, martial arts

painted
on
kabuto
helmets,
armor,
banners,
and
various
metalwork
and
woodwork.
The
mitsudomoe
in
particular
is
associated
with
Shinto
shrines
and
the
deity
Hachiman,
as
a
sign
of
protection
and
the
dynamic
forces
of
nature,
such
as
wind,
water,
and
storms.
The
motif
is
thought
to
symbolize
motion,
cyclical
change,
or
the
interaction
of
opposing
forces,
though
its
precise
meaning
varies
by
context.
emblems,
architecture
ornament,
and
crafts,
and
it
also
functions
as
a
component
of
personal
and
place
names.
Notable
historical
figure:
Tomoe
Gozen,
a
female
warrior
of
the
late
12th
century,
is
associated
with
the
era
in
which
such
symbols
were
widely
used.
The
name
Tomoe
is
also
used
as
a
given
name
for
girls
in
modern
times.