motifs

Iris motifs were popular during the Arts & Crafts movement.

The free and colorful dragonfly is popular in today's A&C revival.

Some motifs appear again and again in the decorative arts of the Arts & Crafts movement and its revival. Most of these designs come to us from Nature. Some motifs are ancient, others exotic. Often they have symbolic significance.

Certain motifs repeat in the decorative arts movement and its revival. These may be ancient, like the Celtic knot, or simply pretty and easy to stylize, like the iris. Most of the motifs come to us from nature and moderation and balance is key when decorating.