Bücher von Christopher Dresser

Educated at the Government School of Design (predecessor of the Royal College of Art), Christopher Dresser (1834-1904) became arguably the first industrial designer, identified by his name on his work. He was an early proponent of oriental art: as a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement, he promoted Japonism in art and decoration. In 1876-7 he toured Japan at the Japanese government's invitation, investigating local manufacturing and design. This beautifully illustrated 1882 work is the result. The first half is a travelogue of Dresser's time in Japan, written with a designer's eye for the architecture and decoration around him. The second half, covering the various ways in which design and decoration were used in the manufacturing industries, includes consideration of architectural motifs, the importance of symbols, lacquerware, ceramics, metalware, and fabric production. This remains an invaluable resource for the student of Japanese art and design.

Christopher Dresser (1834-1904) was arguably the first British industrial designer, working in a variety of media, and this 1862 work was his most influential book. Highly illustrated, it describes how to incorporate ornament into design, and encouraged the rising middle classes to decorate their homes themselves.