Sashiko Pattern Bishamonkikkō

The sashiko pattern bishamonkikkō 毘沙門亀甲 means “Bishamonten tortoiseshell.”

毘沙門 bishamon refers to the buddhist god of war, Bishamonten. He looks pretty scary, but is one of the seven gods of fortune and represents dignity.

亀甲 kikkō means “tortoiseshell.” Tortoiseshells are represented by hexagons in Japanese patterns. This moyōzashi pattern is based on triple-layered hexagons.