Geometric Design & Ornamentation

Worcester Royal Porcelain Co., Unnamed Pattern, 1883.

Principles of Decorative Design

Aesthetic art found inspiration in the many and varied geometric designs and ornamentation found in non-Western sources, as well as 'rediscovering' many Western sources from the past. Among others, designers borrowed from Japanese, Islamic, Buddhist, medieval, and Ancient Greek and Egyptian sources.

Many of these designs, particularly the Japanese ones, were 'discovered' on the many goods entering the European market at the time. Others were learned from some of the notable designers of the day, such as Christopher Dresser, who wrote books on the subject (Principles of Decorative Design, 1870 and Japan: Its Architecture, Art, and Art Manufactures, 1882).

While very little Aesthetic transferware is purely geometric, such as the Worcester Royal Porcelain Co.'s unnamed geometric pattern from 1883, a great deal does incorporate a wide variety of geometric and ornamental patterns.

Partial List of Patterns Used in Aesthetic Art

Eternal knot (Buddhist)

The intertwining of lines in the eternal knot is said to symbolize how everything is connected. It can also represent how religion and secular affairs, as well as compassion and wisdom, are united and connected to each other.

Swastika (Buddhist)

In the Buddhist tradition, the swastika symbolizes the feet or footprints of the Buddha and is often used to mark the beginning of texts. With the spread of Buddhism, it has passed into the iconography of China and Japan where it has been used to denote plurality, abundance, prosperity and long life.

Wave crest - Seigaha (Japanese)

This design is made of rows of ocean waves forming a fan-shaped pattern. It symbolizes the desire for continued peaceful living, like the tranquil waves. This pattern has also been used in Egypt, Persia (Iraq), and around the world.

Hemp Leaf - Asanoha (Japanese)

This pattern depicts a geometric design of hemp leaves. Hemp has long been an important plant in Japan, being the primary clothing fiber (along with silk), until the 16th century when cotton was widely produced. It represents growth and good health.

Tortoise Shell Variation - Kumi Kikko (Japanese)

A pattern of interlocking hexagons, it is a variation of the tortoise shell pattern Kikko. It is considered a symbol of long life.

Interlocking Swastikas - Sayagata (Japanese)

A pattern of interlocking manji (swastikas). This pattern is found on silk fabrics imported from China. It was popular in the imperial family and samurai families.

Weights - Fundo Tsunagi (Japanese)

A pattern of linked weights, Fundo is one of various treasures. It was used for weighing gold on a balance, so it is considered a lucky charm.

Matsukawabishi (Japanese)

This pattern consists of a diamond shape with smaller diamonds attached on top and bottom. Since this diamond shape and Matsu (pine tree) bark are alike, it is called Matsukawabishi.

Tortoise Shell - Kikkou (Japanese)

This pattern is made of tortoise shell shapes. Tortoises have long been a symbol of longevity, so this pattern is also a prayer for long life.

Fletching - Yagasuri (Japanese)

This pattern is based on arrow fletching. It is used as a lucky charm for weddings and other ceremonies, as it is based on the Japanese saying that, once an arrow is fired, it never returns.

Folding Fan - Uchiwa (Japanese)

A pattern made to look like an opened folding fan. Fans stand for development and prosperity.

Snowflake Crystal - Yukiwa (Japanese)

This pattern is considered a good sign, because the melted snow nourishes the plants in the mountains. The pattern can be a single yukiwa or sometimes other patterns can be embedded in the yukiwa.

Hishi (Japanese)

The hishi pattern is derived from the herbaceous aquatic vegetation hishi, which means "diamond" or "lozenge-shaped." Because the hishi plant has very strong productivity, the hishi pattern means prosperity and impending good fortune.

Bishamon Kikko (Japanese)

This pattern is one of the Kikko patterns. It comes from the pattern on the armor of Bishamon, on of the seven gods of luck. He is identified with the Buddhist guardian of the north, known as Vaiśravaṇa. Bishamon is the protector of the righteous and is the Buddhist patron of warriors.

Seven Treasures - Shippo (Japanese/Buddhist)

Shippo represents the unending chain of expansion of harmony and peace. The seven treasures in Buddhism are gold, silver, aquamarine, crystal, white coral, ruby, and emerald.

Rising Steam - Tatewaku (Japanese)

Tatewaku is the pattern resembling rising steam. This pattern represents "rising above" circumstances.

Uroko - Scale (Japanese)

This pattern has been used as a talisman to ward off bad luck, since the pattern is associated with snakes and butterflies, which shed their skin or chrysalis to regenerate themselves.

Kagome - Wickerwork (Japanese)

This pattern originated from the reticulation of a bamboo basket. The pentacle-like design is believed to ward off bad luck, so it has been used as a talisman as well.

Kiku - Chrysanthemum (Japanese)

The chrysanthemum is a symbol that represents longevity and rejuvenation.

Clouds (Buddhist/Japanese)

Clouds represent elegance and high status in Japan. In Buddhism, clouds signify the ‘Western Paradise’ beyond earth.

Meander (Ancient Greek)

Also known as the key or fret design. The motif takes its name from the Greek, Maiandros, the name of the Ancient Meander River which was noted for its exceptionally winding and twisting path.

Vitruvian Scroll (Ancient Greek)

The Vitruvian scroll is a version of the meander.

Anthemion (Ancient Greek & Roman)

The anthemion consists of a number of radiating petals, developed by the ancient Greeks from the Egyptian and Asiatic form known as the honeysuckle or lotus palmette. The anthemion was used widely by the Greeks and Romans to embellish various parts of ancient buildings.