Arabian No.1 1856

Owen Jones created this collection of patterns entitled ‘Arabian No.1’ during the height of British Orientalism. Jones was an influential figure in the 19th century, known for his work as an architect and designer, and particularly for his publication, "The Grammar of Ornament." This print reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with, and often romanticized, interpretations of Eastern cultures. It is a visual compendium of design elements, carefully categorized, with the aim of distilling and codifying what was seen as the essence of Arabian aesthetics. What’s interesting to me is how Jones sought to create a universal language of ornament, but in doing so, he inevitably filtered these designs through his own cultural lens. The patterns, while presented as authentic, become a reflection of British sensibilities and the colonial gaze. How do you feel, seeing these patterns divorced from their original contexts? How do you think this print impacted Western design and perceptions of Arabian culture?