Maru ni Chigai Chōji T-Shirt

The chōji crest is also known as the clove crest. The flower is pale purple in color and has a strong fragrance. Dried clove buds, known as chōji, were used as a food seasoning and in medicine. The extracted oil is called clove oil. Cloves were first imported to Japan during the early Heian period and were highly valued as an exotic spice among the upper classes. Due to their rarity, they were considered one of the Seven Treasures and were depicted in treasure motifs, later becoming a family crest. When the wick of an andon lantern burns in a clove shape, it is considered a sign of good fortune.