The V&A Sourcebook of Floral Pattern and Ornament

A sister publication to the successful V&A Sourcebook of Pattern and Ornament, this beautifully designed sourcebook explores an unrivalled array of floral patterns from the V&A’s outstanding global collections. Take a walk through the galleries of the V&A, the world’s leading museum of art and design, and one quickly becomes aware that floral patterns, embellishments and ornamentation are everywhere, no matter the age of an object or where it was created. From Japanese kimonos to William Morris fabrics, European tapestries to Moghul floor spreads, and Chinese porcelain to Indian garments, these objects reveal humankind’s unceasing desire to incorporate flora into design. These numerous examples testify to the inventiveness of designers and craftspeople around the globe, and our yearning to surround ourselves with objects that enrich our lives. This book spotlights the boundless wonders of the plant world, from the woven vegetation of medieval tapestries and the lush greenery of Victorian chintzes to the delicate petals adorning Iznik ceramic masterpieces. An introduction about flowers in design is followed by five sections: Garden Flowers; Wildflowers; The Gardener; Woodland; and Floral Motifs. Each object is illustrated and described in a brief caption, providing a richly detailed yet accessible resource for design enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This expertly compiled selection of surface pattern and three-dimensional ornamentation will fascinate and inspire designers, artists and illustrators from all disciplines as well as anyone interested in visual and material culture.