Jomon
定紋
The official family crest associated with a specific kabuki actor, typically used throughout an entire acting lineage. Jomon appear prominently on actors' costumes in yakusha-e (actor prints), serving as important identifiers for viewers.
Related Terms
Jidaimono
時代物
Period plays featuring historical plots with court nobles and samurai warriors from earlier eras. Jidaimono prints depict dramatic scenes of legendary battles, heroic samurai, and courtly intrigue, contrasting with sewamono (contemporary domestic dramas).
Joge-e
上下絵
A clever type of print designed to be viewed from either orientation—right-side-up or upside-down—with each perspective revealing a different image or meaning. These playful, dual-image compositions demonstrate the wit and ingenuity prized in Edo-period popular culture.
Joruri
浄瑠璃
Chanted narrative drama featuring shamisen accompaniment used in both bunraku (puppet theater) and kabuki performances. Ukiyo-e prints often depicted scenes from famous joruri plays and their celebrated performers.