Nature in Ornament pdf

Discover how the forms of nature become the language of decorative art.

First published in 1892, Nature in Ornament is Lewis F. Day’s influential exploration of how flowers, leaves, trees, animals, and other natural forms can be transformed into effective ornamental design. Rather than encouraging literal imitation, Day explains how artists and craftspeople can simplify, adapt, arrange, and reinterpret nature according to material, purpose, and composition.

Supported by 123 historic plates and numerous illustrations throughout the text, this richly documented volume examines:

• The relationship between nature and ornament
• Simplification and elaboration of natural forms
• Convention, rhythm, symmetry, balance, and repetition
• Plant, animal, symbolic, and grotesque ornament
• The influence of materials and craftsmanship on design
• Historic examples from Gothic, Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Persian, Indian, Japanese, and other decorative traditions
• Applications in architecture, textiles, carving, metalwork, ceramics, illustration, and pattern design

This carefully prepared edition preserves the complete historic work in a black-and-white format and includes a fifteen-page editorial companion by Alim Ekiz. The additional material introduces Day’s historical context, essential terminology, design principles, and a practical method for studying the plates.

An enduring reference for artists, designers, architects, craftspeople, illustrators, textile and pattern designers, art historians, students, and collectors of classic books on ornament.

Edited by Alim Ekiz.