Ichimatsu/Ishidatami | Checkerboard/Cobblestones
See all our products in stock with checkerboard patterns.
The “ichimatsu” (also known as “ishidatameteri”) pattern was once quite common, but an increase in technology, such as Inkjet printers and quirky knitting machines have partly led to the pattern falling 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 (plaid pattern). 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 ishidami (pebble), as the pattern resembles brick or cobblestone paths.
due to being Seemingly endless, “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, like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That one didn’t turn out the best, but Japan at least won a lot of medals during the games.
A unique take on the checkerboard pattern, with the squares filled with abstract lines in the style of a maze.
While many people have been exposed to this pattern due to it being displayed by a character in the Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer show, the squares are usually much, much smaller than those shown on the show.
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