Chinese postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor, pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado
I can not take credit for how pleasing this is. There is no credit given to the artist in The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones. In fact in his first book, he has almost nothing good to say about Chinese ornamentation at all. Regarding their design abilities he said, “they do not appear to have gone beyond that point which is reached by every people in an early stage of civilization; their art such as it is, is fixed… they are totally unimaginative, and all their works are accordingly wanting in the highest grace of art,”
Huh?
The book was first published in London in 1856 and was huge success. Owen was a product of his time, and his opinion was shared by many. This attitude can be attributed to a lack of knowledge and exposure, as travel to the Far East was still quite hazardous and limited.
Jones later published a volume entirely dedicated to Chinese ornament (1867), The Grammar of Chinese Ornament. I guess there was grace and imagination to be found after all.
I am thrilled to tell you, that much of the book is available for viewing online. I have followed John Hopper’s The Textile Blog for at least a couple of years. But I only just discovered the articles on this subject. You really need to visit this blog if it is new to you. Each article is loaded with information. A look at the Article Index, well let me just say It is a dangerous thing. If you are a creative, you will find yourself pulled in by a force stronger than the lure of Tom Selleck in beach shorts, handing you a box of chocolates!
Owen Jones and Chinese Ornament
Owen Jones Reappraisal of Chinese Decoration
Owen Jones and Egyptian Revival
Sheila, this is the most interesting posts you have written. I had no idea how your training and work involved you with textile design. This is really wonderful; am thrilled to be your artsy fried.
Thank You Carol 🙂 I am so glad you enjoyed it. I am glad to call you my friend too 🙂 Last night I told my Mom about you painting of the church. ” “My friend in Albuquerque…” I sent it to her today to look at.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with this weekend Carol 🙂
Happy creating to you!
I really LOVE IT and the side ornamentation as well! Very interesting post too, Sheila. I will check out Jone’s book online when I get a chance. 😀
Thanks Sandy! Do take a look, I think you will enjoy it 🙂
I love pomegranates, but I could never understand how they were used to decorate Solomon’s temple, as they are not really a beautiful fruit. Looking at your painting, though, changes my mind. They are beautiful! I love it!
Thanks so much “simply”! They are one of those foods that are hidden gems. Like the Kiwi. The first person who ever tried to eat a pomegranate must have been really daring!
I agree. My son learned that he can hammer on the pomegranate to loosen the seeds. Then he puts them in a bowl and eats them that way…and leaves little red spots of pomegranate juice all over the kitchen. It kind of resembles a crime scene… I think he understands now how to do it without making such a mess. 🙂
Wow that is one way to do it for sure! I remember we always had to eat these outside when we were kids. My mom would give us wet paper towels, and a cup for the seeds. It was a treat if we got a whole one to ourselves. I have collected a lot of recipes for using them, but I have to admit I have not tried many of them yet. 🙁
This painting is really lovely, no matter what your inspiration! And I love pomegranates. Hard to believe that Chinese ornamentation was once described as “totally unimaginative”. I wonder if there some some prejudice about foreigners at work there. I’m almost afraid to check out that blog. (Though I think I will) I seem to have too many ideas as it is!
Oh Pamela, It took me forever to write this post, I got lost looking a few times. He talks about textiles and carpets, quilts, lace. I think all that history is so interesting.
I think you are right, there was a lot of prejudice going on. I’d like to get a copy of his book dedicated to Chinese ornament, and see what he said about them then. I am sure it is a gorgeous book!
Thanks for stopping by Pam, so glad you like this card 🙂