縄文時代の土器にも刻まれるなど古くから描かれてきた文様で、平安時代に有職文様として公家装束に用いられるようになり一気に広まったと考えられています。連続して配した「斜め格子」や「襷文様」、羽を広げた鶴が向かい合い菱形をつくる「向い鶴菱」、4つの菱形で構成された「四菱」など、多様な表現を見ることができます。

The motif, depicted on Jomon period pottery and with a rich history, gained widespread popularity during the Heian period when it became a popular pattern for courtiers' attire. Variations include the "slanting lattice" or "taga pattern," the "confronting cranes and lozenges" or "mukai tsuru hishi," and the "four lozenges" or "yotsuhishi," each offering diverse expressions of the pattern.

Obi fabrics with this Japanese pattern from the obico selection