The Grammar of Ornament

By Owen Jones, J B 1823-1875 Waring, John Obadiah Westwood, et al.

Book Overview

"The Grammar of Ornament" is a seminal work in the history of design and decorative arts, formulated by the influential architect and designer Owen Jones. This comprehensive volume serves as a visual encyclopedia of design patterns and decorative motifs collected from across the globe and throughout human history. Jones meticulously explores and illustrates the aesthetic principles of diverse civilizations, ranging from the intricate geometric patterns of the Alhambra to the refined motifs of ancient Greece, Egypt, and China.

Beyond being a mere collection of illustrations, the work presents a series of propositions that outline the fundamental principles of design. Jones argues for a universal language of ornament based on the laws of nature and geometry, advocating for a return to purposeful and harmonious decoration in an increasingly industrial world. The text explores how color, form, and proportion intersect to create beauty in both architecture and the decorative arts. As a cornerstone of design theory, "The Grammar of Ornament" remains an essential resource for artists, architects, and historians, offering a timeless exploration of the evolution of pattern and the enduring pursuit of aesthetic excellence.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025428668
• ISBN13: 9781025428666
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 390 Pages
• Weight: 1.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great Resource!!!!!

A timeless classic this is a good reference book to have as a design student or professional.

THE Grammar has Remained an Influential Source

Englishman Owen Jones first published his monument to design, the Grammar of Ornament, in 1856. It was originally published in installments for subscribers. Jones's illustrated plates and design motifs drew from nineteen different cultures including the ornament of Oceania, Rome, Byzantium, ancient Greece, Renaissance Italy, Rome, and Moorish Spain. The Grammar was adapted to architectural decoration, fabrics, textiles, tile design, furniture and wallpaper during the second half of the nineteenth century. It has remained influential among designers worldwide. The quirky colorways are decidedly of another era and worthy of study. I have effectively used them to thwack my creativity out of occasional dead ends or potholes. This is a respected, classic reference. It is deserving of space in every designer's reference library.

Little Gem

I was disappointed when I first received this book. I had bought it as recommended reading for my design course and ordered it blindly. I don't know what I had expected but this wasn't it. Then, one day, I pulled it off my bookcase, looking for information on a certain type of design - and suddenly found myself enthralled with the beauty of this book. Let it not fool you, it's a beautiful little gem packed with design and information. Not a centimetre wasted.

Fabulous

This book is excellent for artists, web designers,students. there are well chosen designs of many countries and eras and more than just a few for each catagory.It is a reference book that is a total must.