This spiral ring was inspired by the Ionic order you can see on the columns of some temples in Greece, such as the Illissus temple. The Temple of Ilissus was a small temple built near the river Ilissus in Athens.
It was a particular favourite of the great neoclassical architect, Sir John Soane, who said: -
“The little Temple of the Ilissus at Athens […] is a beautiful example. Nothing can surpass the extreme simplicity and elegance of this composition. The beautifully proportioned columns, the angular capitals, and simple entablature are most happy effects of the refinement and elegant taste of the enlightened people to whom this work owes its origin.”
The Ionic order is one of the three canonic orders of classical architecture. The Ionic capital is characterised by the use of volutes - a spiral, scroll-like ornament. It is said that the woman's body inspired the Ionic order, with the capitals' volutes like the woman's hair to the flutes on the column shaft, which reminds of the folds of a woman's dress.
