Examples of Chinese ornament, Pl.73
A hand-painted replica of Owen Jones’s masterpiece Examples of Chinese ornament, Pl.73, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"Examples of Chinese Ornament, Pl. 73" is a plate from the influential design book The Grammar of Ornament, authored by Owen Jones and first published in 1856. Owen Jones (1809–1874) was a British architect and designer known for his contributions to the study of decorative arts and his efforts to document and systematize design principles from various cultures around the world. The Grammar of Ornament is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of design, offering a comprehensive visual catalog of ornamental styles from different historical periods and regions.
Plate 73 specifically focuses on Chinese ornamentation, showcasing decorative motifs and patterns inspired by traditional Chinese art and design. The illustrations in this plate are characterized by their intricate geometric patterns, floral elements, and vibrant use of color, which are hallmarks of Chinese decorative art. The designs reflect the aesthetic principles of balance, symmetry, and harmony that are commonly found in Chinese ornamentation. These motifs were likely derived from a variety of sources, such as textiles, ceramics, and architectural details, which Jones studied and adapted for his book.
Jones's work aimed to educate Western designers and artists about the richness and diversity of global decorative traditions. By including Chinese ornamentation in his book, he highlighted the sophistication and artistic achievements of Chinese culture, emphasizing its value as a source of inspiration for contemporary design. The plate is part of a broader effort within The Grammar of Ornament to promote cross-cultural appreciation and to establish universal principles of design based on historical examples.
The illustrations in Plate 73 were created using chromolithography, a printing technique that allowed for the reproduction of vivid, multi-colored images. This method was cutting-edge at the time and enabled Jones to present the designs with a high degree of accuracy and visual appeal. The use of chromolithography was instrumental in conveying the intricate details and vibrant colors of the original Chinese designs.
While the specific sources or artifacts that inspired the designs in Plate 73 are not detailed in the book, the plate serves as a representation of how Chinese ornamental styles were perceived and interpreted in the mid-19th century by Western scholars and designers. It is important to note that the designs in The Grammar of Ornament are not exact reproductions but rather stylized interpretations intended to illustrate general principles of ornamentation.
Today, The Grammar of Ornament and its plates, including Plate 73, remain valuable resources for historians, designers, and artists interested in the study of decorative arts and cross-cultural design influences.
