Niwa Sujikai Bier Onderzetter

【Niwa Sujikai】Sujikai crest / Family crest of the Niwa clan, lord of Mutsu and Nihonmatsu domains / This design is based on the one published in 'Monsho' by Kosaku Ito, as well as the crests on Buddhist ritual implements and a horse's 'hishaku' (ladle) stored at Dairinji Temple, the family temple of the Niwa clan, as shown in the photos in the same book. (Drawn on April 5, 2013) / The 'sujikai' is also written as 'sujichigai', and is also called 'chigai-bo' or 'two chopsticks crossed'. It is thought to be related to the 'chigi' crest, and its origins and significance are still unclear. (Takazawa et al., 'Kamon no Jiten') / According to 'Taiheiki' (16), this crest was used as a group flag during the Nanbokucho period, along with 'hiki-ryogai' and 'mekkiri'. (Ito Kosaku, 'Nihon no Monsho') / The 'sujikai' crest is thought to have originated as a simple mark and was used as a symbol for families and clans.