Kaō
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Categories: Japanese culture | East Asian calligraphy | Authentication methods | Personal identification
A kaō (花押? Chinese reading: huãyã) is a stylized signature or a mark used in place of a signature. Kaō first appeared in China during the Tang Dynasty, and began to be used in Japan during the Heian period.[1] Though their use became far less widespread after the Edo period, they continue to be used even by some contemporary politicians and other famous individuals.[2] The reading and identification of individual kaō often requires specialist knowledge; whole books devoted to the topic have been published.[3] See also
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