Tangrams

The pattern on this Bill Robinson tie (probably produced in the 1990s by Roffe Accessories) is created completely using the six tangram shapes (there are seven pieces to a tangram set, but one shape is used twice). I was surprised to learn (from the Wikipedia entry) that while tangrams are purported to be an ancient Chinese puzzle, no evidence has been found that they existed before 1800. The variety of shapes that can be made out of tangrams is truly amazing; there are fun online tangram puzzle applets here and here.

Once again the jacquard weave of the tie--in this case stripes and circles--presents a pleasing counterpoint to the angularity of the printed design.