2,000 decorative motifs expertly reprinted in full color from a rare 19th-century publication. Adapted from borders, tiles, carved wood panels, and other ornamental sources, the designs include classic Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan motifs; Chinese, Japanese, Persian and Indian patterns; samples from the Arabic and Byzantine cultures; Celtic, medieval, Renaissance and 18th century European art.
Albert Charles Auguste Racinet (July 20, 1825 - Paris, October 29, 1893 - Montfort-l'Amaury) was a French costume scientist, illustrator, painter and author of several to this day repeatedly reprinted costume and ornament history works.