Infinite Motifs

Cultures

Infinite motifs  occur in different cultures and almost always have a symbolic meaning, even though this meaning does have to be well-known. The old Celtic culture has the Celtic knot as an infinite motif which dates back to the 8^th century. The Celtic knot, also known as the triquetra, symbolises life, death and rebirth but also the three forces of nature: earth, air and water. Indian motifs also have elegant, infinite elements, such as art objects of the Incas and Aztecs. Within the Ottoman culture and Islamic art, arabesques are a well-known example of the use of infinite motifs.  Recognisable, continuous and repetitive (imaginary) lines shape the pattern. The arabesque motif has a symbolic meaning to Muslims too. Infinite motifs, like arabesques, are also featured in heraldry. In the second half of the 12^th century, it was common to decorate the amour of the knights with symbolic  scenes, the well-known weapons. During the Renaissance, these infinite motifs were usually whimsical, winding and symmetrical, like a stylised climbing plant. These patterns can also be seen in Antique Style Web Store, such as in the wallpaper and furniture fabrics.  

19th and 20th century

Infinite motifs, patterns without a beginning or ending and floral elements are used often, particularly within the Art Nouveau movement. Usually, they are elegant flowers and plants, stems, leaves and flower buds, that have been intertwined to an infinite motif. The Art & Crafts Movement, a 19^th century art movement that strove for the return of craftsmanship and simplicity of designs, also used infinite motifs. This showed the love for traditional labour. Popular, infinite motifs within Dutch art are the ingenious, mathematical patterns by M.C. Escher (1898 – 1972). The division of the surface and impossible compositions, show the way that Escher played with perspective.

Gift

The appeal of an infinite motif is that the symbolic value can be determined personally. A motif with no ending can stand for love, friendship, new life or eternity. That is why a piece of jewellery of accessory with an infinite motif makes for a beautiful gift. Antique Style Web Store has remarkable pieces of jewellery that have been inspired by Celtic design but also with floral shapes that are characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. Jewellery with more geometrical and classic motifs can also be found in the category Jewellery. In the category Picnic Cases Bags and Baskets, there is a large collection of Art Nouveau bags to choose from, in which the infinite, whimsical lines create a mysterious scene. Also have a look in the categories Furniture Fabrics, Cushions and Historical Wallpaper to see different examples of repetitive, endless motifs that appeal to the imagination. 

1. Wallpaper Allison 2. Handbag Rondeau Cyrene 3. Earrings Celtic Knot 4. Cushion Rajastahn 5. Necklace Twist 6. M.C. Escher Diary 2016