Hindoo No.3 1856

Owen Jones created this print titled ‘Hindoo No.3,’ featuring intricate design elements. During Jones’ time, the 19th-century British Empire was expanding its reach into India, shaping how Indian culture was perceived back in Britain. Jones’ compilation presents patterns in neat rows, categorizing and displaying them, but perhaps also flattening the rich history and meanings behind each motif. It is difficult not to see the echoes of colonial practices of collecting and classifying cultures. Consider how these designs, divorced from their original context, might have influenced British art and design, and how this appropriation might have affected Indian artisans and their cultural heritage. What emotions do these patterns evoke in you? Does seeing them presented in this way change how you perceive their value and meaning? Ultimately, Jones’ print invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cultural exchange and representation, prompting questions about authenticity, ownership, and the emotional impact of encountering art from different cultures.