The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament (V&a Museum)

Limited, V & A Enterprises V & A Enterprises Limited, Amelia Calver,

ISBN 10: 0500298408 / ISBN 13: 9780500298404

Published by Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2025

About this Item

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Seller Inventory # 6666-GRD-9780500298404

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament (V&a Museum)
• Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500298408
• ISBN 13: 9780500298404
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

A richly illustrated sourcebook of two-dimensional pattern and three-dimensional ornamentation, presenting more than one thousand historic and contemporary examples from around the world.

This richly illustrated, easy-to-navigate sourcebook presents more than one thousand 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 kimonos 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.

1,148 color illustrations

About the Author

Amelia Calver is licensing research and development manager at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She is the author of The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern & Ornament.