The wealth of surface pattern and three-dimensional ornamentation in the many objects that enrich our lives is testament to the inventiveness of designers and craftspeople around the globe and throughout history.
This richly illustrated, easy-to-navigate sourcebook presents more than 1,000 historic and contemporary examples of pattern and ornamentation from around the world, each one succinctly identified and explained. Arranged thematically, it is unique among pattern books, as it includes examples not only of surface pattern but also of three-dimensional ornamentation and embellishment.
Two-dimensional pattern is ubiquitous, no matter what the age of an object or where it was created. From Japanese kimono and William Morris fabrics to Chinese porcelain and contemporary furniture, such works reveal humanity's unceasing desire to combine pattern with design. Just as prevalent are examples of three-dimensional embellishments that go far beyond the requirements of their practical use: an acrylic handbag
has a carved motif of insects and wildflowers, a cobalt-blue pottery ewer has a dragon's-head spout and an early 19th-century fruit plate is shaped like a seashell.
Designers working today are as fascinated and inspired by pattern and ornament as they have always been. This expertly compiled selection will appeal to designers, artists, illustrators and other creatives from all disciplines as well as anyone interested in visual and material culture.
With 1146 illustrations in colour
By:
Amelia Calver
Imprint: Thames & Hudson
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 260mm,
Width: 220mm,
Weight: 1.920kg
ISBN: 9780500480724
ISBN 10: 0500480729
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 14 October 2021
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction 1. Plants Flowers: Roses * Tulips * Lilies * Pansies * Chrysanthemums * Honeysuckle * Other Garden Flowers * Poppies * Thistles * Other Wild Flowers * Blossom Fruit & vegetables: Berries * Apples & Pears * Pineapples * Vines * Other Fruit * Vegetables Trees & leaves Stylized plant forms: Fleur-de-lis * Corinthian Capitals * Arabesque Patterns 2. Animals Mammals: Horses * Dogs * Cats * Rabbits & Hares * Deer * Farm Animals & Farmyards * Lions, Leopards & Tigers * Exotic Animals Sea creatures: Fish * Shells Birds: Eagles * Flamingos * Peacocks * Parrots * Cranes, Storks & Herons Cockerels * Other Birds * Feathers Insects: Bees & Wasps * Butterflies & Moths * Spiders * Ladybirds Reptiles & Amphibians: Dinosaurs * Snakes * Turtles & Tortoises * Frogs & Toads * Salamanders * Other Reptiles & Amphibians Mythical Creatures 3. Earth & the Universe The Cosmos: Seasons, Skies & Weather * Stars & Planets * Moon * Sun * Science Landscape & Buildings: The Home * Landscapes & Cityscapes * Buildings Mankind: The Human Form * Human Activities * Symbolism, Religion & Astrology * Love & Romance * Language & Typography 4. Abstract Patterns Geometric Patterns: Square * Circle * Triangle * Line * Other Geometric Shapes Freeform Abstraction: Camouflage * Cartouches * Other Freeform Abstract Patterns
Amelia Calver is Licensing Research and Development Manager at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She has worked at the V&A for more than twenty years and has an impressive familiarity with the museum's extensive collections, particularly of the fabric and wallpaper designs from around the world that have been acquired during the V&A's 170-year history.
Reviews for The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament (Victoria and Albert Museum)
'This selection will appeal to designers, artists, illustrators and creatives from all disciplines' - Let’s Talk
