Historic Ornament, Vol. 2 (of 2) Treatise on decorative art and architectural ornament

"Historic Ornament, Vol. 2 (of 2)" by James Ward is a detailed study of decorative art and architectural embellishments from the past, covering the later part of the 1800s. Building upon the foundations laid in the previous volume, this book turns its attention to decorative arts like pottery, enamelwork, metalwork, and fabrics, seeking to build an understanding of how ornamentation has changed over time and across cultures. The author begins by reminding readers of the previous discussions on prehistoric pottery and ancient civilizations, then examines the historical advancement of ceramics, starting from the late Middle Ages and drawing connections to ancient Greek pottery. The book shines a light on the importance of Greek vases, looking at their shapes, uses, and the artistic skill involved in their creation while also explaining the aesthetic principles of Greek artists, focusing on their accuracy in proportions and complex designs, and how they influenced later artistic advancements in pottery around the world.