Three tomoe in annulo (SFPP)

A tomoe is a charge unique to Japanese Mon, a comma-shaped motif intended to represent a whirlpool in water.  Tomoe are period charges, found in the Mon of Bessho Nagaharu, general and daimyo, d.1580 [Hawley 77].

The period examples of tomoe show them used in multiples, three being by far most common; always in annulo; and with no other charges in the design.  This attested pattern, as in the illustration, has been accepted for Society use.

See also gout.

Samukawa Mantarou Yukimura bears:  Argent, three tomoe in annulo azure.