It is a repeating pattern of hexagonal shapes. There are various kikko patterns including ’kikko-hanabishi’ composed of a combination of hexagonal shape and a diamond-shaped flower, ‘bishamon-kikko’ composed of three joined hexagonal shapes, and ‘juji-kikko’ composed of a combination of hexagonal shapes and checkboard cross shapes.
The kikko pattern can be observed in the Shoso-in treasures and can be seen on the kimono of Toyotomi hideyoshi’s legal wife, Kita no Mandokoro.