Persian Ornament no. 5. From a Persian manuscript, Marlborough House. 

Owen Jones created "Persian Ornament no. 5. From a Persian manuscript, Marlborough House.” during a time when European interest in non-Western art was growing, particularly through colonial encounters. Jones, a British architect and designer, sought to codify design principles from various cultures, believing they held universal aesthetic value. This print reflects the complexities of cultural appropriation and Orientalism. While Jones admired and drew inspiration from Persian motifs, his work was also part of a broader colonial project that exoticized and commodified non-Western cultures. The ornamental patterns, originally created within a specific cultural and spiritual context, are here presented as design elements divorced from their original meanings. These floral patterns were originally intended to provide a sense of harmony and beauty, reminding viewers of the divine order. By adapting these traditional forms, Jones navigated the line between appreciation and appropriation, reflecting the tensions inherent in cross-cultural exchange.