Title: Ornament--8,000 years : an illustrated handbook of motifs /
Authors: Wilson, Eva, 1925-
Publisher: H.N. Abrams,
Year: 1994
Subjects: Decoration and ornament
Abstract: Discusses the history and symbolism associated with nine groupings of decorative motifs, including spirals, animals, plants, and geometrical constructions.
Contents: 1. Spirals, scrolls, meanders and key patterns. Spirals, scrolls and meandering motifs in the art of neolithic farming communities. Spirals and scrolls in Mediterranean Bronze Age art. Spirals and scrolls in the European and Scandinavian Bronze Age. Meander and key patterns in Greek and Roman decoration. The swastika and other 'rotating' motifs -- 2. Animals and mythological and imaginary creatures as motifs in ornament. The bull, the lion, and other real or imaginary creatures in the art of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean. Motifs from mythology and legend in Greek and Roman decorative art. A new style of ornament with animal motifs in northern Europe. The signs of the zodiac, bestiaries, fables and heraldry. The taotie mask and the dragon-like kui motifs in Bronze Age China. The 'animal style' in the art of the nomadic cattle herders on the Eurasian steppes. The Chinese dragon, 'phoenix' and Dog of Fo. The animal art of the 'Chilkat dancing blanket'.