Volute

It was later incorporated into Corinthian order and Composite column capitals.

[1] The word derives from the Latin voluta ("scroll").

It has been suggested that the ornament was inspired by the curve of a ram's horns, or perhaps was derived from the natural spiral found in the ovule of a common species of clover native to Greece.

[2] The ornament can be seen in Renaissance and Baroque architecture and is a common decoration in furniture design, silverware and ceramics.

A method of drawing the complex geometry was devised by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius through the study of classical buildings and structures.