Byzantine no. 1. Carved Byzantine ornaments 

Owen Jones created this collection of carved Byzantine ornaments. Here we find not mere decoration, but a language. The cross, prominently featured, speaks of faith and redemption, deeply rooted in the religious soil of Byzantium. The floral motifs—recurring throughout—echo nature's beauty. The circle, symbolizing eternity and divine unity, forms the basis of many compositions. But these aren't isolated motifs, no. Consider the dove, a Christian symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit. We find the dove in mosaics, in illuminated manuscripts, even in early Roman catacombs. It resurfaces through the ages, a testament to the continuity of human spiritual yearning. Its meaning shifts, yet the core idea of divine grace endures. The power of these symbols lies in their ability to resonate on a primal, subconscious level. These images connect us to past generations. A symbol's journey is never linear, but rather a cyclical progression. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.