Computer vision and image characteristic search

Computer vision and image characteristic search is described. The described system leverages visual search techniques by determining visual characteristics of objects depicted in images and comparing the determined characteristics to visual characteristics of other images, e.g., to identify similar visual characteristics in the other images. In some aspects, the described system performs searches that leverage a digital image as part of a search query to locate digital content of interest. In some aspects, the described system surfaces multiple user interface instrumentalities that include images of patterns, textures, or materials and that are selectable to initiate a visual search of digital content having a similar pattern, texture, or material. The described aspects also include pattern-based authentication in which the system determines authenticity of an item in an image based on a similarity of its visual characteristics to visual characteristics of known authentic items.