I have loved Nijo Castle since childhood and have visited it countless times over the years.
Every visit brings a new discovery. On a recent visit, I noticed this decorative metal fitting on the Karamon Gate.
▼ Decorative metal fitting found on the Karamon Gate at Nijo Castle
A new pattern born from the decorative fitting
This design grew from the motif on that fitting.
▼ Pattern developed from the decorative metal fitting at Nijo Castle
Transforming the motif in CAD
How did the decorative fitting at Nijo Castle become this pattern? The sequence below shows the process. It took more time than I expected.
▼ Stage 1 of transforming the decorative fitting into a pattern
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▼ Completed pattern after repeated transformations in CAD
Turning the design into a dyeing stencil
By moving the shapes around in CAD—“change this, combine that, and see what happens”—I eventually arrived at this design. Of course, I intend to turn it into a stencil for dyeing.
Although the pattern is simple, it can be used in many different ways. It may suggest water, flowers or fireworks, and it could also be used to express snow.
I am quite pleased with it. I plan to make the dyeing stencil and use it in a new work soon.
Hitotsuya has also developed other original motifs from old designs and memorable forms, including the cloud dyeing stencil.