Saw this on the ceiling at the Rubin. I believe it’s either an example of the 1g or 12 border pattern (I’m leaning toward the former). Feel free to correct me if you think I’m wrong.
Lots of people seem to be seeing circular patterns as border patterns. It’s natural to do so. But they’re not infinite objects like border patterns. They have rotational and reflection symmetries but lack translation symmetries so can’t have border-pattern symmetry types.
This blog explores symmetry types as manifested in mandalas and border patterns, in the streets of Manhattan, and beyond. It is for students in Professor Kirby’s classes, and anyone else who’s interested in spinning out the mathematical ramifications of mandalas and border patterns.
1 response so far ↓
Laurence Kirby // Apr 15th 2013 at 6:02 pm
Lots of people seem to be seeing circular patterns as border patterns. It’s natural to do so. But they’re not infinite objects like border patterns. They have rotational and reflection symmetries but lack translation symmetries so can’t have border-pattern symmetry types.