Abstract: In this paper I discuss the properties of a pattern known as "Karakusa". Karakusa is Japanese and means "foreign plant" or "winding plant". The pattern consists of various spirals, and these spirals take their shape from vines and other natural forms. I will examine and demonstrate how features of the pattern were abstracted from these natural forms. In addition, it will be argued that an algorithm employing a mathematical element could be involved in generating those features, and I will claim that we will be able to utilize this algorithm for generating new spiral forms. In this study I examine a Karakusa pattern familiar from its use on Japanese wrapping cloths. In this particular pattern only a geometric spiral is employed. It is a simple pattern constructed from many spirals, each of which extends freely in all directions. In this paper I examine such features in turn and describe my results.
Keywords: spiral form, pattern, algorithm
Full text of the article will be available in end of 2002.