市松 Ichimatsu
Traditional Japanese pattern (wagara) · wallpaper & status-bar design
Overview
Ichimatsu is the simple two-color chequerboard — endlessly continuous and quietly bold.
市松は二色の正方形を交互に並べた格子文。途切れず続くことから、繁栄や子孫繁栄の意味を持つ。
History & origin
Although the chequer is ancient, the name comes from the Edo-period kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu, who wore the pattern on his hakama and made it a fashion sensation. It returned to global attention as the basis of the Tokyo 2020 emblem.
Symbolism & meaning
Because the squares repeat without break in every direction, ichimatsu signifies prosperity, growth and the continuation of a family line through the generations.
Traditional use
It suits everything from formal textiles to modern graphic design, and is a favourite for noren, packaging and accessories. As a wallpaper it is crisp, balanced and easy to recolor.
Set it as your wallpaper
- Open the design in the editor and tune its colors.
- Recolor the ground and pattern, then add your own photo as the background.
- Download the PNG and set it as your wallpaper (Settings → Wallpaper on iPhone, or “Set as wallpaper” on Android).
New to custom wallpapers? Read the full step-by-step guide for iPhone & Android →
Ichimatsu colorways
More patterns
The Ichimatsu motif is part of the public-domain canon of Japanese wagara. The artwork on obolo is our own original rendering.