Handbook of Decorative Motifs

Birthe Koustrup

Praise for Handbook of Decorative Motifs:

“While thinking of things decorative the more artistically skilful among you—whatever medium, fine or decorative, you work in—will probably want to obtain a copy of this new book by Birthe Koustrup, who came from the Danish artistic dynasty the Thornam family who were renowed for their flower designs. Flowers, animals, birds, fish, folk art and chinoiserie designs can be found in this delightfully practical book.”
—Mayfair and St. James's Life

“Visually rich and wide-ranging in scope, this book is a treasury of nature-inspired design ideas, from plants and flowers to folk art. Offering over 250 four-colour decorative motifs, this handbook is an ideal creative resource for porcelain painters, ceramicists, textile designers, wood and metal workers and anyone who takes nature as a visual inspiration.”
—Period House

Overview

Four-color ornamental illustrations fill the pages of The Handbook of Decorative Motifs, offering a lively catalog of inspired design ideas and models for decorative painters, interior designers, and craftspeople. Plants and flowers, borders and bouquets, popular art, chinoiserie, and faience, Koustrup, provides simple design techniques¾as well as more general tips on caring for plant and flower models¾to help ceramicists, cloth painters, embroiderers, and weavers adapt the motifs to their own styles and on their own mediums. From Kellinghusen faience patterns to floral garlands and the traditional Danish “three tulip” motif, this handbook is a rich source of inspiration for and artistic creators of all ability levels and persuasions.

About the Author

The late Birthe Koustroup was a Danish naturalist, designer and painter.

ISBN: 0-393-73148-0
Winter 2004
256 pages, cloth