About the Artist
Albert-Charles-Auguste Racinet was a French illustrator and design historian whose late 19th-century works became foundational references for artists, decorators, and manufacturers. Renowned for publications like L Ornement polychrome and Le Costume historique, Racinet documented global decorative traditions with meticulous, color-rich plates. His scholarship made museum-quality ornament accessible to a wider audience, bridging the worlds of historical research and applied design.
For those interested in classic art prints or pattern-driven decorative pieces, Racinet's legacy offers a unique window into the evolution of ornamental design.
The Artwork
Produced in 1888, this plate emerged during the European fascination with Japonisme—a movement that celebrated Japanese art and design. Racinet assembled such patterns as practical resources for Western designers, who adapted them for use in wallpaper, textiles, ceramics, and more. Rather than telling a story, the artwork serves as a visual toolkit, illustrating principles of repetition, symmetry, and contrast that define Japanese decorative aesthetics.
This vintage print continues to inspire, functioning as both a historical document and a source of creative ideas for anyone captivated by 19th-century interpretations of Japanese design.
Style & Characteristics
The image features a structured, repeating pattern composed of interlocking geometric shapes and stylized floral motifs. Racinet’s approach emphasizes clarity, with crisp outlines and distinct color separations that keep the design vivid and legible. The palette is notably polychrome, incorporating greens, reds, yellows, blues, and warm orange tones, all arranged in harmonious balance. The result is a lively yet orderly composition that stands out as a decorative accent.
This blend of botanical and geometric elements is characteristic of Racinet’s pattern plates and reflects the cross-cultural influences of the Japonisme era. For more inspiration, explore Japanese and Oriental wall art or pair with botanical prints for a layered, pattern-rich interior.
In Interior Design
This poster is ideal for spaces where pattern can take center stage—such as entryways, dining areas, offices, or creative studios. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood or linen and complements both modern and eclectic interiors. The rich palette integrates well with greenery or terracotta accents, offering a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
For a curated look, consider combining this piece with other works from our oriental or botanical collections to create a unified, visually engaging space.
