A Handbook of Ornament

Franz Sales Meyer’s Handbook of Ornament is a classic reference on decorative design. This PDF edition is available as an instant download after purchase. It presents the elements of decoration and their application to objects.

The work was issued as the First American Edition by The Architectural Book Publishing Company in New York. It contains three hundred plates with about three thousand illustrations. These plates draw on historic styles from antiquity through later periods.

Readers can use this digital handbook for study, reference, and design research. No physical copy is shipped.

Handbook of Ornament: Book Overview

Franz Sales Meyer taught at the School of Applied Art in Karlsruhe. In this handbook he arranges ornament in a synthetic system, building from elementary motives toward complete decorative objects. The book is divided into three main divisions: elements of decoration, ornament applied to features, and decorated objects.

The first division includes geometric elements, natural plant and animal forms, human forms, and artificial objects. The second division treats bands, free ornaments, supports, enclosed panels, and repeating diapers. The third division shows decoration applied to vases, metal objects, furniture, frames, jewelry, heraldry, and writing.

Each section opens with remarks on style, history, characteristics, motives, symbolism, aim, and application. The introduction notes that the work is not intended to offer new material, but to arrange known ornamental forms in a manner suitable for a handbook.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Three hundred full-page plates containing about three thousand illustrations.
• A systematic arrangement of ornament in three main divisions.
• Coverage of geometric, plant, animal, human, and artificial decorative elements.
• Chapters on bands, free ornaments, supports, panels, and repeating ornaments.
• Examples of decorated objects including vases, metalwork, furniture, frames, jewelry, heraldry, and lettering.
• Notes on style, history, symbolism, and the origin and preservation of illustrated objects.

Why This Book Matters

This handbook gives artists and students a clear path through the vocabulary of ornament. Its arrangement is based on principles associated with Semper, Bötticher, and Jacobsthal, favoring construction from elements rather than dissection by period. Historic styles are represented with particular attention to Antique and Renaissance examples.

Because it preserves nearly three thousand illustrated forms, the book remains a practical reference for decorative design, art education, and historical ornament study.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download and no physical item will be shipped. The file is available after purchase and can be read using compatible PDF applications. It works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop software, and mobile devices.

FAQ

How do I receive the book?
The PDF is delivered as an instant download after purchase.

Will a physical copy be sent?
No. This listing is for a digital download only.

What devices can open the PDF?
The file works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop readers, and mobile reading apps.

This digital edition is ready for study, reference, and design work.

Verified Bibliographic Details