In her ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIECED QUILT PATTERNS (#1237), Barbara Brackman includes the design in her section titled, "Block Is a Star," and traces it back to "The Kansas City Star," 1948.

Compare this 4-patch block with CAPS FOR WITCHES AND DUNCES and PINE BURR. The design is unique, however, in having its four points meet the sides of triangular corners, and thus providing a surprising and very beautiful tiling design. For an interesting book on the use of optics in patchwork blocks, see OPTICAL ILLUSIONS FOR QUILTERS, by Karen Combs (1997).

For modern quilt designs as Op Art see ARRANGEMENT OF SMALL PIECES, and with notes on Bridget Riley.

For more "Star" patterns at this site see:

POLARIS STAR
AUNT ELIZA'S STAR
STAR LANE
BLOCK STAR & STARRY PATH
STAR OF ERIN
STAR OF THE WEST