Persian No. 3 Floral Pattern

Celebrate the exquisite flow and timeless elegance of historical Islamic pattern design with this magnificent antique ornamental poster. Originally compiled in 1856 by the pioneering British architect and design theorist Owen Jones for his seminal masterpiece The Grammar of Ornament, this striking plate is titled Persian No. 3 (Plate XLVI).

Showcasing a dense, continuous repeating pattern of vibrant, rust-orange marigold blossoms interwoven with a scrolling network of deep indigo and navy blue foliage, this meticulously restored print captures the essence of classic Persian illumination art. Set against a naturally warm cream background, this print brings an extraordinary layer of historic sophistication and complex organic beauty to your home.

The History: First published in London in 1856, The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones (1809–1874) remains one of the most celebrated and influential design sourcebooks in history. Jones spent a lifetime documenting cross-cultural decorative principles, drawing immense inspiration from Islamic flat patterning, geometry, and abstraction. Plate XLVI (Persian No. 3) carefully translates the intricate, hand-painted margins and decorative illumination work found within rare Persian manuscripts housed in the British Museum. Working with master chromolithographers, Jones preserved these designs to illustrate how Eastern artisans achieved “true beauty” through balanced, harmonious rhythms that flow out of a single parent stem, leaving an enduring legacy on Western textile and wall design.

The Aesthetic: A spectacular study in organic rhythm and continuous surface patterning, this composition presents a beautifully dense arrangement of winding foliage and stylized floral blooms. The deep indigo leaves twist gracefully across the canvas in a rhythmic, curling dance, perfectly balancing the bright, sun-kissed pops of the rust-orange blossoms. The soft, unadorned ivory background provides a soothing contrast, highlighting the precise linework and block-style colors of the print. Framed by a classic, clean border with the authentic Roman numeral marking “XLVI.” at the upper margin, this poster transforms a 19th-century design study into an incredibly modern, scannable piece of wall art.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

• Interior designers, historians, textile lovers, bookbinding enthusiasts, and admirers of classical Islamic design and Victorian lithography.

• Bedrooms, cozy dining spaces, texturally rich living rooms, libraries, or as an elegant accent wall feature.

• Japandi, bohemian, maximalist, dark academia, or transitional interior design styles that value heritage craftsmanship and botanical elegance.

Product Details

Artist: Owen Jones – Vintage Chromolithograph Poster

Title: Persian No. 3 Floral Ornament (Plate XLVI – The Grammar of Ornament)

Subject: Antique Persian Illuminated Manuscript Pattern and Foliage Study

Original Year: 1856

Style: Victorian Chromolithography / Historical Islamic Ornament / Textile Pattern Design

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.