Pattern and Design

Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the pattern....
~Alfred North Whitehead

In the old markets, which by now you all know are my favorite places to hang out, there is pattern everywhere! The most mundane objects are arranged into pleasing displays that allow the viewer to see the most merchandise. As most shops are very small, this gives the effect of showing the customer an abundance of style and variety, while allowing the shop owner to relax and bargain rather than running back and forth to a storage area. Clever!

Stemming from these groupings of like objects is....... you guessed it! Pattern!

Line, shape, form..... this display exhibits these building blocks of design, along with unity, harmony, and balance.


Here is pattern and design in a stack of colorfully stripped rugs.

And cusions!

And tassles!

And yet more cusions!

And more tassles!

How could you not be cheered by sitting in a room furnished with these traditional, colorful textiles?

I could spend an entire weekend taking photos in this market and still find more of interest that I would have to return for the next weekend. In every shop, around every corner, I find a feast for the eyes. The textiles, the jewelry, the people. Even the above 100F can't keep me away!