Hishi (Water Chestnut)

The word hishi directy translates to “water chestnut.” The pattern is made up of four slanting lines that join to create repeating diamond shapes, bringing to mind the shape of a water chestnut. The simple design has been found on pottery dating as far back as the Jomon Period (14000-300 BC), and was one of the patterns used in the clothing of aristocrats during the Heian Period (794-1185) to denote rank and status. The water chestnut is a strong and highly fertile fruit, so the hishi pattern carries with it the meaning of continuous good health. The diamond shape is also an important symbol of the Hina Matsuri (Girl’s Day Festival), where families eat hishimochi, diamond shaped rice cakes, to pray for the health of their daughters.