Chinese Designs From the author - - Introduction China is rich in history and culture and its influence has spread over much of the eastern world and into the west. Chinese design is full of symbolic decoration, both realistic and stylised, for domestic and religious use. Chinese decorative arts have a unique and highly distinctive flavour. They are immediately recognisable, popular throughout the world and admired for both their simplicity of line and their intricate decoration. Paintings are often created in a loose and expressive style, full of movement and dramatic colour. Textiles are rich in colour and are often decorated with sumptuous designs. The Chinese style has been responsible for influencing various cultures and art movements worldwide. Victorian decorative art often displays a distinct Chinese flavour: both William Morris and Arthur Liberty drew inspiration from imported Chinese items popular at the time. About the designs I have adapted the designs so they are suitable for a wide variety of art and crafts - everything from fabric decoration, embroidery and ceramics to glass painting and leaded glass. Use the designs as they are or adapt them to suit your needs. Try drawing an image on tracing paper and repeating the design to develop a more complex pattern. Alternatively, use an element of one of the designs on its own, or enlarge it. With a little confidence you can use these drawings to stimulate your own ideas. And finally Chinese decoration is very distinctive, highly individual and suitable for all sorts of decorative techniques. I hope you will be adventurous when using my designs, and that you will enjoy doing so. Soft cover, 32 pages. Price: $18.95 ($17.23)