# Pine-bark diamond

松皮菱 matsukawa bishi

![Pine-bark diamond](https://www.furoshiki.com/swatches/matsukawa-bishi.svg)

A large diamond with smaller diamonds above and below, like flaking pine bark; the pine's evergreen longevity makes it auspicious, good for New Year and celebrations.

Popular in the Momoyama and early Edo periods

A stepped diamond (also nakabuto-bishi) whose edges recall flaking pine bark. It was especially fashionable in the Momoyama period on tsujigahana-dyed kosode and noh costumes, and from at least the 17th century it decorated temple roof ridges and kumiko latticework. It also became a family crest and was used in samurai dress.

Common as a frame for other motifs on formal kimono and as a celebratory pattern.

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Source: https://www.furoshiki.com/patterns/matsukawa-bishi/