Oratorio

Ornament has never been particularly good at knowing when to stop, and that’s part of its charm. Across textiles, ceramics and decorative arts, some of the most memorable designs come from an enthusiasm for detail. Flowers, flourishes, elaborate borders and intricate geometry all competing for attention, yet somehow finding a way to work together.

Oratorio celebrates that more exuberant side of decoration. The tiny 10mm mosaic format allows ornament to become wonderfully elaborate, with the sort of detail you might expect from embroidery or a richly patterned tapestry.

There’s a touch of the theatrical about it too. The name Oratorio seems particularly appropriate for a design that enjoys a little drama. Rather than holding back, the composition embraces the richness of traditional ornament, with its elaborate arrangements and almost celebratory character.

The inspiration sits somewhere between historic decorative textiles and the intricate geometry of traditional folk patterns. Both have a wonderful freedom with ornament, where flowers become geometric and geometry begins to resemble flowers. The distinction hardly matters when the overall composition has so much personality.

Oratorio makes no attempt to be minimal. It’s an unapologetic celebration of pattern, detail and the simple pleasure of decoration. Sometimes a little excess is exactly what’s called for.

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