The World of Ornament by Taschen | Decorative Art Book

History's most beautiful patterns, from ancient Egypt to the 19th century, gathered in one essential sourcebook.

The World of Ornament unites the two great 19th-century encyclopedias of decoration in a single volume: Auguste Racinet's L'Ornement polychrome, published in two volumes between 1875 and 1888, and Auguste Dupont-Auberville's L'Ornement des tissus of 1877. Long out of print, they come together here in a lavish Taschen XL edition introduced by David Batterham, a London antiquarian bookseller who specializes in the graphic arts and ornament.

Inside are jewelry, tile, stained glass, illuminated manuscript, textile, and ceramic designs spanning classical, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Asian, and Middle Eastern traditions, along with European ornament from the medieval era through the 19th century. Across 656 pages, it is a pattern library for designers, architects, artists, and anyone who loves decoration, and the gold and cream scrollwork cover makes it as handsome on display as it is useful.

Book Details

• Authors: Auguste Racinet and Auguste Dupont-Auberville, with text by David Batterham
• Publisher: Taschen
• Format: Hardcover, XL, 656 pages
• Size: 9.8 x 13.4 in.
• Subjects: Ornament, pattern, decorative arts, textile design
• Language: English, French, German
• ISBN: 9783836571272

Styling Suggestions

• Keep it on a design studio shelf or worktable, ready to pull for pattern and color inspiration
• Lay it flat on a coffee table with a brass tray or a folded piece of vintage textile
• Place it under smaller design titles on a console to anchor the stack

The Perfect Gift

A smart gift for interior designers, architects, textile and surface pattern designers, and art students. It works for graduations, new studio openings, birthdays, and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which books are combined in The World of Ornament?
Auguste Racinet's L'Ornement polychrome, volumes I and II, and Auguste Dupont-Auberville's L'Ornement des tissus, two landmark 19th-century collections of ornament.

Is The World of Ornament useful for designers?
Yes. Its 656 pages of historic patterns across textiles, tile, glass, ceramics, and manuscripts make it a go-to reference for interior, textile, and graphic designers.

Where do I shop The World of Ornament in Lafayette?
At Mood by DMJ, our boutique in the Oil Center at 1120 Coolidge St., or online with shipping across the US.

Shop in store at Mood by DMJ, 1120 Coolidge St. in Lafayette's Oil Center, or online with shipping across the US.

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