Edo fan No. 25: Double-Sided Pattern—Three-Square Design

This design was conceived by the first-generation Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō, based on the “Inazuma-mon” (Lightning Pattern), and later became the official family crest of his school. The “San-masu-mon” (Three-Square Pattern) is a design created by stacking large, medium, and small squares inside one another and stylizing their appearance as seen from above.There are various variations, such as designs featuring scattered “San-masu” motifs or those with “San-masu” arranged between stripes. The word “masu” (square) is considered auspicious because its pronunciation rhymes with “masu” (to increase). It is also known as the “Three Nested Masu” pattern.

The pattern is printed on both sides.