Ornamental Sign Language in the First Order Tracery Belts

Abstract

We consider ornamental sign language of first order where principles of sieve displacement, of asymmetric building blocks as base of ornament symmetry, color exchangeability and side equivalence principles work. The generic aspects of sieve and genesis of ornamental pattern and ornament sign in it are discussed. The hemiolia principle for ornamental genesis is introduced. The discoverer of most of these principles were artist Modris Tenisons [4, 5, 6, 7 (refs. 23, 24), 8 (ref. 65)]. Here we apply systematical research using simplest mathematical arguments. We come to conclusions that mathematical argument in arising ornament is of much more significance than simply symmetries in it as in image. We are after to inquire how ornament arises from global aspects intertwinned with these local. We raise argument of sign’s origin from code rather from image, and its eventual impact on research of ornamental patterns, and on research of human prehension of sign and its connection with consciousness.