Development and Modification of the “Holy Symmetrical Design” -West and East of the ‘Silk Road’-

Abstract

During my research into the ancient history of the Near and Middle East, I encountered various examples of symmetrical designs. I was particularly interested in composition having a central plant motif with animal motifs symmetrically arranged on both sides. Although there were differences in the type of motifs, all can be recognized as having a holy character originally. So I would like to call it “Holy Symmetrical Design ( H.S.D. )” for convenience.

The H.S.D., which first appeared in the Sumerian design in Mesopotamia, spread all over the Near and Middle East, then further west to Europe and east to East Asia. Such designs were introduced into Japan through China. We can find many objects made in the Nara period ( in the eighth century ) with the H.S.D. in which the Irano-Chinese influence is seen.

The imported H.S.D. ceased to be used. A very rare example of the H.S.D. still in use in Japan can be found on the traditional costume of the Emperor and a few family crests on ceremonial “Kimono.” Generally speaking, Japanese people feel constrained by symmetry so they use symmetrical design only for religious or ceremonial aims. Japanese people may be described as devotees of the “aesthetic of asymmetry.”