Indian Ornament no. 7. Ornaments from wooden and embroidered fabrics and painted boxes exhibited in Paris in 1855 

Owen Jones created this print, "Indian Ornament no. 7", showcasing ornaments from Indian wooden fabrics, embroidered textiles, and painted boxes displayed at the 1855 Paris exhibition. The print presents a series of ornamental bands, each a study in rhythm, balance, and Jones's grammar of ornament. Notice how each band is carefully structured, employing repeating motifs—floral, geometric, and abstract—to create a harmonious visual experience. The palette favours earthy tones—reds, greens, and blues—often set against contrasting backgrounds, enhancing the visual impact of the designs. Jones’s theoretical approach here is evident in the structured arrangement of the ornament. He aimed to uncover and codify the underlying principles of design, believing that good design adhered to universal laws of proportion, symmetry, and colour harmony. His work reflects an effort to extract the essence of Indian design and make it accessible for contemporary application. Jones invites us to see ornament not merely as surface decoration but as a structured system of visual communication.