PICTURE FRAMING MAGAZINE Ornamentation In Frame Design

Anthemion and lotus: a mosaic from the
floor of stairs in the palace of Artaxerxes,
c. 600 B.C.; showing stylized lotus leaf and
alternating anthemion, surmounted by a
geometric pattern.
From Persepolis, a column in the hall of
Xerxes, c. 500 B.C. Above the double bulls is
a stylized lotus with alternating chrysanthemum,
surmounted by dentil work and a
lion frieze.
Lion frieze: now in the Louvre, c. 300 B.C.
A lion figure is often used as a decorative
pattern in Persian ornament.
Ornamentation in Frame Design
PERSIAN
Artaxerxes border: from a floor from the
stairs in the palace of Artaxerxes, c. 600 B.C.
A stylized C-scroll surrounded by a chrysanthemum
flower border.
From Naksche: Bas-reliefs from the graves
of Naksche Roustem, c. 500 B.C. This is the
tip of a volute that forms a running pattern.
Tongue and dart from the bas-reliefs at
the graves of Naksche Roustem, c. 500
B.C; showing rounded tongue ornament
interspersed with darts, surmounted by
bead and reel.
Winged lion: a bas-relief at Persepolis,
c. 300 B.C. Winged figures are
classic ornamentation from Persian
iconography.
Double Anthemion on a Persian wall decoration
of glazed terra-cotta, using triangles as
a bordering device for the double anthemion
frieze.
From Persepolis: a column in the hall of
Xerxes, c. 500 B.C. Above the double bulls is
an alternating lotus flower and anthemion,
surmounted by dentil work and fluted ribs.
Winged bull from a bas-relief at Persepolis,
c. 300 B.C.