Ichimatsu/Ishidatami | 市松 石畳 | Checkerboard/Cobblestones
See all of our in-stock products with checkerboard patterns.
The “ichimatsu” (also known as “ishidatami”) pattern was once quite common, but an increase in technology, such as inkjet printers and extravagant weaving machines, have partially led to the pattern going out of fashion in favor of more intricate and vibrant designs.
Summer haori with the checkerboard pattern woven into the fabric.
The name of the pattern comes from a famous kabuki actor during the Edo period, Moyou Ichimatsu (市松模様). The story goes that he wore this checkered pattern on stage quite often, so his name became synonymous with the pattern itself.
Another name for this pattern is ishidatami (石畳), as the pattern resembles brick or cobblestone roads.
Due to being seemingly never-ending, “prosperity” has become the meaning of this pattern. You’ll see this pattern used in some logos, at events, or as decoration to help convey the feeling of continued prosperity or prosperous conventions, such as with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That one didn’t turn out the best, but Japan at least won many medals during the games.
A unique take on the checkerboard pattern, with the squares being filled with abstract, labrynth-esque lines.
While many people have been exposed to this pattern due to it being showcased by a character on the show Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer, the squares are typically much, much smaller than depicted in the show.
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