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Italian

Designer Owen Jones British
ca. 1873
Not on view
"Italian" is one of the rare textiles by Owen Jones. Fewer than thirty of his textile designs are known to exist, and they all date to the early 1870s. This silk textile typifies Jones' predilection for formal, repeating patterns, in contrast to the naturalistic, three-dimensional floral designs found on many Victorian furnishing fabrics. Jones, who was trained as an architect, is probably best known as the author of The Grammar of Ornament, first published in 1856. The book provided thirty-seven principles of design and an ambitious survey of decorative motifs from cultures around the world. It was intended to serve as inspiration and guide for designers in all facets of the decorative arts, and was influential throughout the second half of the nineteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Italian
  • Designer: Owen Jones (British, London 1809–1874 London)
  • Manufacturer: Warner, Sillett & Ramm
  • Date: ca. 1873
  • Culture: British, Essex
  • Medium: Silk
  • Dimensions: L. 17 3/4 x W. 18 1/2 inches (45.1 x 47 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, 2000
  • Object Number: 2000.46
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
The grammar of ornament, Owen Jones  British, Chromolithography
Author Owen Jones
Illustrator Francis Bedford
Publisher Day & Son, Ltd., London
1856
Banner, Silk, polychromy, British
British
late 18th century
Two panels from the 'Verdures du Vatican' series, Jean Démosthène Dugourc  French, Woven silk and metal thread with applied silk and chenille embroidery, French, Lyon
Designer Designed by Jean Démosthène Dugourc
Manufactory Woven by Maison Pernon et Cie.– Camille Pernon (French, 1753 – 1808)
ca. 1799
The grammar of ornament, Owen Jones  British
Multiple artists/makers
1868
Tabor, Parchment, wood, British
British
19th century

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