New Grammar of Ornament

Ornaments can be found on buildings, fabrics, jewelry, tiles, ceramics, and wallpaper. Thomas Weil's New Grammar of Ornament compares current ornamental objects with archaeological research and concludes that there is an anthropological constant. It categorizes the variety of ornamental forms used worldwide and places them in a major art and cultural historical context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

Ornaments are an omnipresent feature found in a wide range of materials, including buildings, fabrics, jewelry, tiles, ceramics, and wallpaper. Initially disregarded during the early stages of the modern era, ornaments have made a remarkable comeback in art and architecture, exerting significant influence on design drafts and tattoo motifs. In his book, "New Grammar of Ornament," Thomas Weil compares contemporary ornamental objects to the findings of archaeological research on ornamental artifacts. He argues that there exists an anthropological constant underlying the recurring patterns, shapes, and frequencies of ornamental forms. By analyzing the arrangement of stripes, rectangles, triangles, and dots, as well as the prevalence of floral ornaments, Weil develops a new "grammar of ornament." This groundbreaking work, published more than 160 years after Owen Jones' "Grammar of Ornament," provides a comprehensive and contextualized exploration of the diverse ornamental forms used across the globe. It establishes a valuable reference for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance of ornaments in art and society.

Weight: 902g
Dimension: 173 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037786536