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Green

In the decorative arts of the 18th century, the colour green was a popular choice in porcelain and textiles. It was a versatile colour that could be used in a variety of contexts, from naturalistic designs to more abstract and ornamental motifs. Green was often used to symbolise nature, growth, and fertility. It was also associated with new beginnings, as well as youth and innocence.

Green was a popular colour during the Rococo period (approximately 1730-1770), which was characterised by elaborate ornamentation, asymmetry, and a focus on nature and the natural world. In this period, green was often paired with white and gold, creating a decorative effect.

There are also classical references to the colour green. In ancient Rome, for example, green was associated with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and was often used in mosaics and frescoes depicting her. It was also associated with spring and rebirth, as well as with the god of wine, Bacchus.

In porcelain, green was often used in combination with other colours, such as blue and white, to create intricate patterns and designs. For example, the famous Wedgwood Jasperware, a type of stoneware produced by the Wedgwood company, featured raised white designs on a matte green background. The colour was achieved by using copper oxide as a pigment in the glaze.

In textiles, it was used both as a background colour and as a decorative accent. It was particularly popular in silk fabrics, which were often woven with metallic threads to create a shimmering effect. The colour green was also used in printed cotton fabrics, which were popular for more everyday use. One famous example is the “Tree of Life” pattern, a popular motif in Indian textiles that featured a repeating pattern of trees and vines in shades of green and other colours.

Overall, the colour green played an important role in the decorative arts of the 18th century, adding a sense of freshness and vitality to a wide range of objects and designs.

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