Fruit (or Pomegranate) 1861 - 1871

This is William Morris’s “Fruit,” also known as “Pomegranate,” a wallpaper design. The motifs of pomegranates, leaves and flowers, are rendered with a distinct stylization characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement. The pomegranate, an ancient symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity, recurs across cultures. In ancient Greek mythology, it is tied to Persephone and the seasons, resurfacing in Renaissance art as a symbol of hope and resurrection. Here, it's fascinating how the fruit, bursting with seeds, embodies an almost subconscious desire for renewal and continuity, reflecting a collective memory of nature's cycles. Morris’s stylized interpretation, rooted in a return to handcrafted designs, evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a pre-industrial era. It connects to deeper psychological needs for order, beauty, and connection to nature in an age of increasing mechanization. It acts as a comforting, recurring motif, echoing the timeless human search for meaning and stability.