Observation is not provenance
You can describe a repeat as offset or directional from the rendered study. That does not establish who invented a pattern, when a historical design was made, or what culture it belongs to.
Wrapping paper patterns / Close-Looking Mode
Close-Looking Mode
Notice first.
Name second.
Use overlays to isolate repeat tiles, directional flow, and negative space. The method deliberately delays style labels so structure can be observed before interpretation.
look for continuity
Observation overlays
Ask before naming:
- Where does the smallest repeat seem to close?
- Which motif dominates at arm’s length?
- Would rotating the sheet change the reading?
- What disappears first when contrast drops?
Overlay limits
The grid and flow overlays are teaching aids. They are not image-analysis results and should not be treated as measurements of an external artwork.