Canton (flag)
Also known as: canton (flag)
- 1The canton is located in the upper hoist corner of a flag.
- 2It typically occupies up to one-quarter of the total area of the flag.
- 3The canton can function as a distinct emblem or as a separate flag in its own right.
- 4Many national flags, such as those of Australia and New Zealand, incorporate the Union Jack as a canton.
In the field of vexillography, a canton is a rectangular section located in the upper hoist corner of a flag. It often serves as a distinct design element, sometimes containing its own separate flag or emblem to signify historical or political affiliations.
Connections1
geographic hub of EIC's Chinese trade
The province of Guangdong, specifically the port of Canton, was the exclusive site where the EIC was permitted to conduct trade with China under the Qing dynasty.
The canton is a defining feature in flag design, typically occupying the upper-left corner of a flag when viewed from the front. This placement is known as the upper hoist position. While it is often used for decorative or symbolic emblems, it can also house an entirely different flag, creating a composite design.
CantonWikimedia Commons: File:Flags_with_cantons.svgIndication of the quarters on a flag.Wikimedia Commons: File:Bandera-canto.pngA 2:3 Canton.Wikimedia Commons: File:Generic_Canton.svg A common application of the canton is found in British ensigns, where the Union Jack is placed in the upper hoist. This design choice has been adopted by numerous nations and territories, including Australia and New Zealand, to reflect historical ties to the British Empire.