also: いめ
noun
heart-shaped symbol; boar's eye motif
A traditional heart-shaped design used in Shinto architecture and on talismans to ward off evil spirits. The shape resembles a boar's eye, hence the name.
神社の欄間に猪目が彫られている。
A boar's eye motif is carved into the transom of the shrine.
このお守りには猪目の模様が入っている。
This amulet has a heart-shaped symbol on it.
Modern loanword for a heart shape, used in everyday contexts; 猪目 is a traditional Japanese motif with protective meaning.
Literally 'boar's eye', from 猪 (い, boar) and 目 (め, eye). The shape is said to resemble a boar's eye and has been used since ancient times as a protective symbol.