The mon (family crest) of the Takeda clan, one of the more popular samurai clans known of in the west. The Takeda's greatness as a clan had much to do with the legendary Takeda Shingen a daimyo of exceptional skills on and off the battlefield. The Takeda were renown for their cavalry, they were trained and led to the highest degree and their army compromised more horses than in most other contemporary armies. Kai is excellent horse-breeding land. Shingen's main opposition came from Uesugi Kenshin in the north and Tokugawa Ieyasu in the south who also happened to be allies with Oda Nobunaga. Many historians believe that Takeda Shingen was probably the truest threat to Oda Nobunaga but was mortally wounded by a sniper while engaged against the Tokugawa. It is rumored that the Takeda clan were able to keep Shingen's death secret for over two years. It is also reported that upon hearing of Shingen's death Uesugi Kenshin wept.
Almost all mon can be found to be used by many different samurai throughout the centuries.
.5 Inch ash wooden cube with the mon of the Takeda family in place of the 6 on the die.