Ichimatsu: the Japanese checkerboard pattern
Make a Ichimatsu wallpaper in your colors
At a glance
| Japanese name | 市松 (いちまつ, Ichimatsu) |
|---|---|
| Motif | Checkerboard |
| Wish it carries | Prosperity that keeps growing |
| Season | All year |
| Where you see it | Kimono, packaging, interior design |
What it looks like
Ichimatsu is a checkerboard of squares in two alternating colors. In the maker every other square also holds a small diamond, which adds detail when the pattern is used as a background.
History
The checkerboard itself is very old and was once called ishidatami, “paving stones.” The name ichimatsu comes from Sanogawa Ichimatsu, a kabuki actor of the 1700s who wore a checked costume on stage. Fans copied the look and the name stuck. In recent years a checkered design in indigo also became widely known as the emblem of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
What it means
Because the squares can repeat forever in every direction, ichimatsu stands for prosperity that keeps growing and for a business or family that continues for generations.
How it is drawn
Draw a square grid. On every other square, add a diamond whose corners sit 28% of the way out from the center.
Ways to use it
Green and white is a modern, popular choice. Black and gold is sharp and formal. Pink and plum is playful.
- Open the maker with Ichimatsu already selected.
- Pick one of the color sets, or choose your own ground and line colors.
- Choose a size: phone, desktop, video call, square or A4 print.
- Download it as a PNG, or as an SVG if you want to edit or print it at any size.