Maru ni Igeta Travel Mug

The 'Igeta' crest is a well frame or a square frame. The term 'Igeta' originally referred to a wooden frame surrounding the above-ground part of a well, while a circular frame was called 'I-tsutsu'. However, in heraldry, a square frame came to be known as 'I-tsutsu' and a diamond-shaped frame as 'Igeta'. Since ancient times, wells, which quenched thirst and sustained life, were considered sacred places where spirits dwelled and gods were worshiped. The 'Igeta' pattern was likely used due to its symbolic significance. The first recorded use of the 'Igeta' crest is found in 'Kenmon Shoka Mon', where the Ii clan's crest is depicted as a 'I' character crest, which later evolved into the 'I-tsutsu' crest. Other families with 'I' in their surname also adopted this crest. (Takahashi et al., 'Kamon no Jiten')