Ironstone Mosaics - Mosaic History


	<LINK REL="STYLESHEET" TYPE="text/css" HREF="../style/main_style.css"> <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="13" WIDTH="438" BORDER="0"> <TR><TD BGCOLOR="#DEC3A8" VALIGN="top"> <IMG SRC="/images/history/face.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="237" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">The Tales of Art...</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Since the beginning of time we have been fascinated by images of all sorts. Botanical and animal pictorials have never gone out of style and neither have human figures, nature scenes or emblems. Abstract designs and patterns are also universal graphics that have been embraced everywhere. Modern societies have learned a good deal about past civilizations through the study of historical art. Valuable information has been gathered from viewing paintings, cave drawings, hieroglyphs and even mosaics. They all tell very descriptive stories about our primal roots. Our natural curiosity to understand how our ancestors lived, and to know what was important to them, plays an important roll in understanding our past truths. Art connects us to the past... and to the future... it feeds our curiosity and frees the imagination.</SPAN> <P><BR> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">A Brief History of Mosaics</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Mosaics have been referred to as “patient work, worthy of the muses”. In Greek mythology, the muses were the 9 daughters of Zeus, the ruler of the heavens & mortal heroes here on earth. Each muse presided masterfully over a particular art or science. These Goddesses were known for their inspiring poetic nature and offered spiritual guidance to those in pursuit of particular endeavors. <BR><BR> The mosaic art form dates back thousands of years ago with deep Greek origins. Some say at least 6,000 years have passed since the first mosaic was pieced together. It is difficult to say exactly how long the art has been in practice, but it is safe to say that creating mosaics is one of the oldest forms of artistic expression known. A mosaic’s purpose was not only to decorate, but to protect a surface as well. Mosaics have truly stood the test of time throughout the Eastern world. From Greece to China, decorative mosaics have been found still remaining in tact. The Spaniards and Arabians were also known for their impressive use of mosaics to creatively beautify surfaces. Ancient mosaics continue to resonate their unique stories from days gone by, long after their first creation thousands of years earlier. <BR><BR> Some debate has resulted over the mystery of who really discovered the mosaic art form first. Regardless of who it was, it is important to acknowledge that people from all around the world have always had an interest in decorating over surfaces with different sorts of coverings. It is our innate human desire for visually pleasing keepsakes and to create pleasant dwelling areas that withstand the elements. To do so in the expression of lasting art is truly ingenious.</SPAN> <P><BR> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Ancient Technology</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">The Chinese understood the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. They realized that working with nature, instead of against it, to be the fundamental key in balancing the two worlds. Some of the first engineering technologies developed from honoring this very principle and has undergone little change since being initiated. By creatively using stones and pebbles that were immediately available to them, dirt walk paths were paved over with artistic designs formed by the rocks themselves. By harvesting the natural resources that the land freely offered, simple materials manifested into functional mosaic art. <BR><BR> The Chinese have long valued the importance of creating functional settings that please the senses as well. They discovered the many hidden beauties that mosaic pathways had to offer. Pebble floors kept the area clean by keeping the dust down. Pebbles also provided superior water drainage away from the surface area. The mosaic’s interlocking stones stabilized the foundation and helped prevent erosion. Pebble mosaics are found to be quite comfortable under the bare foot and make a level floor when designed properly. <BR><BR> Centuries of traffic has done little in changing these mosaic marvels. Stone mosaics blend harmoniously into natural settings and tend to lend a charming touch to even the most formal settings. Endless designs can be achieved through creative pebble arrangement, even when working with just one color. What has gained mosaicist recognition from around the world is the longevity of their artistic work. The functionality of mosaics being both decorative and protective to a surface has always appealed to people’s senses.</SPAN> <P><BR> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Mosaics of The Old World</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">The ancient Greeks were very well known for their phenomenal mosaic murals. The mosaicist had the ability to portray realistic scenes with visual depth and dimension through implementing shading techniques. The display of artistic prowess is impressive even by today’s standards. In earlier times, it was common for young European men to travel abroad as a form of hands-on, cultural educational training. Once being exposed to the creative use of mosaics throughout Greece, people began to see the possibilities of covering surfaces in a new light. And so began the mosaic movement across Europe, where the craft held a prestige amongst trade smiths for generations to come. Certain artists were in very high demand, but with the process of designing a mosaic being so time-costly, this made for very long waiting lists, indeed. <BR><BR> The Vatican in Italy has more than one million mosaic pieces adorning it’s sacred facade. This artistry has beckoned travelers from around the world with great reverence. Michelangelo Bvonarroti (1475-1564) is well known for his phenomenal paintings and sculptures, but few realize that he had been an accomplished mosaicist also. In fact, many people visit Saint Peter’s Cathedral to view Michelangelo’s work on the ceiling there, but mistake it for a painting! It is not, my friends... this creation is a mosaic. <BR><BR> Mosaics were even found in homes to welcome guests. Often, a mosaic would tend to convey a sense of social status about the family who lived there. Because of the vast time invested in creating a mosaic, one carefully chose where to embed the artwork. Favorable display areas were places that could be seen well or where guests were likely to gather. Mosaics usually depicted colorful scenes or interesting geometric patterns. However, even the most modest mosaic spoke volumes. There is simply something about all those individual pieces that give the mosaic a welcoming soul. <BR><BR> Whether creating a simplistic pattern or an elaborate pictorial design, mosaics have always been created with pride and set with the intention of lasting. The Greeks called mosaics “the eternal art form”. Anything standing the test of time over the course of thousands of years is clearly worthy of such a statement, and to be found fit for any muse. Your custom Ironstone Mosaic will offer a lifetime of natural beauty... always there to greet you and your guest... even if you are not a muse.</SPAN> </TD></TR> </TABLE>