An invaluable source of ideas for anyone looking for inspiration in designing & decorating ceramics, textiles, furniture, or working in the graphic arts. Both easy-to-use as a reference & enjoyable for its beautiful illustrations, this book is a concise yet thorough guide to France"s venerable history of design patterns. Filled with 125 illustrations from religious, royal, & popular sources & organized into 5 sections, each focusing on the development of a new style, this volume traces the evolution of French patterns from richly illuminated medieval manuscripts to contemporary textiles & wallpaper. "An overview of the history of French design that connects the patterns to the culture & history of France."