An ornamental motif consisting of a fine grid made up of perpendicular grooved lines. Although it is never utilised as a stand-alone motif, it is a crucial component for emphasising a specific ornamental figure, delineating motifs or establishing contrast between them, and completing and enhancing the overall background or its segments.

‘Ilchate pysmo’ is created using the engraving technique (in carving). It is also used in metal chasing, pysanka (Easter egg) designs, and ceramics.

As a rule, the lines in the ‘ilchate pysmo’ are drawn parallel to the two main sides of the form or to its diagonals. In complex shapes, a certain rhythmic arrangement is observed without subordination to the character of the shape.

The term ‘ilchate pysmo’ refers to the overlapping spruce needles that create a grid-like pattern. The word ‘ilchate’ or ‘ilchaste’ comes from the Hutsul word ‘il’ for spruce.