Celebrate the sacred geometry, symbolic radiance, and monumental symmetry of ancient Egypt 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 Egyptian No. 6 (Plate IX).

Showcasing a spectacular, large-scale circular ceiling rosette centered around a radiant lotus flower, this meticulously restored print captures one of antiquity’s most iconic symbolic motifs. The design moves outward from a vibrant pink and lime-green lotus core into an intricate ring of deep lapis blue scrolling tendrils, stylized blossoms, and radiating pink petals. Set against a naturally warm cream background, this stunning geometric mandala brings a powerful, grounding, and globally minded artistic focus to any modern interior.

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 ever produced. Jones spent years traveling and documenting cross-cultural decorative traditions, advocating that all ornament should arise from structural function rather than superficial imitation. Plate IX (Egyptian No. 6) illustrates his detailed study of the spectacular ceiling paintings found within the ancient tombs and temples of Thebes. To Jones, Egyptian ornament represented the ultimate mastery of “purely flat” decoration, where natural forms like the sacred lotus—representing rebirth and the sun—were stylized into perfect geometric harmony. Utilizing groundbreaking chromolithographic printing techniques alongside master lithographer Francis Bedford, Jones preserved this monumental ceiling medallion to show how ancient artisans achieved flawless balance through radial symmetry and a refined primary color palette.

The Aesthetic:

A masterclass in radial division and sacred geometry, this composition focuses entirely on a singular, mesmerizing circular medallion. At the absolute center is the stylized womb of the lotus flower, rendered with sharp green seed points surrounded by layers of vibrant pink, yellow, and red petals. This radiant core is encircled by an extraordinary band of dense, swirling lapis blue scrollwork, which frames secondary blue blossoms and contrasts beautifully with sharp pink outer petals. The entire design is enclosed by crisp concentric borders, including a fine chevron-patterned outer ring. Framed with the classical minimalist plate notation “IX.” at the upper margin, this poster transforms historic archaeological architectural documentation into a bold, high-contrast focal piece.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Architects, historians, Egyptology enthusiasts, interior designers, yoga practitioners, and collectors of rare Victorian lithography and antique botanical or geometric art.
Living rooms, entryways, main bedrooms, meditation spaces, executive home offices, or as a commanding central anchor on a feature wall.
Maximalist, bohemian, eclectic, mid-century modern, or transitional interior design styles that embrace sacred geometry, bold focal points, and deep historical narratives.

Product Details

Artist: Owen Jones – Vintage Chromolithograph Poster
Title: Egyptian No. 6 Lotus Rosette (Plate IX – The Grammar of Ornament)
Subject: Antique Ancient Egyptian Ceiling Ornaments and Sacred Lotus Motifs
Original Year: 1856
Style: Victorian Chromolithography / Historical Egyptian Ornament / Radial Mandala 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.