MC11 - Kenkatabami 剣片喰

Menuki with a Japanese Kamon pattern (heraldic symbol), composed of 3 heart-shaped leaves and 3 swords.

Menuki Omote: Length 50mm, Width 15mm, height 2mm

Menuki Ura: Length 50mm, Width 15mm, height 2mm

The Kenkatabami (剣片喰) is a Kamon (家紋 - family coat of arms).
The 3 heart-shaped leaves are creeping sorrel leaves. It is a plant that reproduces quickly and is difficult to uproot.
Originally Kamon from the Fujiwara clan (an ancient, powerful and respected clan in Japan), the addition of the swords between the petals reinforces the warrior side. The surrounding circle was added around the time of service to the Tokugawa clan and symbolizes wealth in terms of bushels of rice. The Double Ken behind the Kenkatabami further reinforces the warrior side and the use by swashbucklers. The 3 leaves of Katabami represent compassion, wisdom and virtue,
It is one of the 10 most used Kamon in Japan.