Overview

A unique combination of photography and illustration reveals an extraordinary variety of floral motifs in the historical buildings of India: 'A jewel of a book' Embroidery magazine Following the success of Pattern and Ornament in the Arts of India, Henry Wilson has turned, for this companion volume, to a single theme. But what a theme: the variety of floral motifs in the exquisitely wrought details of India's architectural wonders is boundless, and one can only marvel at the way in which the basic elements of wood, stone and plaster have been transformed into masterworks of decorative art. From the illustrious Mughal Empire during its greatest period of monument-building and artistic creativity to the time of British rule, which brought with it an unprecedented period of peace that allowed great wealth to be concentrated on the arts, the richness of India's architecture is overwhelming. Henry Wilson's fine photographs reveal the skill, patience and imagination of the many thousands of craftsmen who have turned to floral motifs and rendered them with precision and life-enriching creativity. Juxtaposed with the photographs are Wilson's own detailed drawings, all created by hand but with a stencil-like clarity that helps us understand the original historical patterns. The result is an invaluable sourcebook that will appeal not only to those interested in one of the world's oldest civilizations and greatest cultures, but also to anyone seeking inspiration for their own creations.

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9780500298596

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Reviews

'Intriguing and highly original … If you love India, art, architecture, surface pattern or flowers, there are many reasons to fall in love with this quietly inspiring book' - The Herbarium Project 'A jewel of the book that brings a fresh appreciation of the visual sophistication of India' - Embroidery Magazine 'Sumptuous photographs on India’s grand palaces, private homes and temples … this is a genuinely inspiring book' - The Chromologist blog

Author Information

Henry Wilson is known for his photographs of India, which have appeared in many magazines and books, including Benares, India Contemporary and Pattern and Ornament in the Arts of India, all published by Thames & Hudson. His drawings of Indian motifs inspired Osborne & Little to commission the Sariskar Collection of wallpapers from him.

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