210 TEXTILE ART IN RELATION TO FORM AND ORNAMENT. 



braiding, netting, knitting. LTocliet, and needle work exliibit char- 

 acters peculiar to themselves, developing distinct groups of relieved 

 results; yet all are analogous in principle to tliose already illustrated 

 and imite in carrying forward the same great geometric system of 

 combination. 



E,'tiriilal,(J in„-k.—A fewiiai-a,-T,-ii.]isiiiaybra<ldc(l]HMvin regard 

 to rctiriilalrd fabrics of all classes nf <■, .inl.iiiati. .11. as t liry exhibit 

 more tiian usually interesting relievu iijiencnneua and iiave a decided 

 bearing upon the growth of ornament. 



In all the i^rimitive weaving with which we are acquainted definite 

 reticulated patterns are produced by variations in the spacings and 

 other relations of the warp and woof; and the same is true in all the 

 higher forms of the art. The iDroduction of reticulated work is the 

 especial function of netting, knitting, crocheting, and certain varieties 

 of needlework, and a great diversity of relieved results are produced, 

 no figure being too complex and no form too pronounced to be under- 

 taken by ambitious workmen. 



In the following figiires we have illustrations of the peculiar class 

 of primitive experiments that, after the lapse of ages, lead up to mar- 

 velous results, the highest of which may be found in the exquisite 

 laces of cultured peoples. The Americans had only taken the first 

 steps in this peculiar art, but the results are on this account of espe- 

 cial interest in the history of the art. 



An example of simple reticulated hand weaving is slidwn in Fig. 

 ;3()8. It is the work of the mound buihlers aii<l is taken iioui an im- 

 pression iipon an ancient piece of pottery obtained in Tennessee. 



TffiffiTO'iifiL 



iliilfmillir 



Fig. :5()8. Incipient stage of reticulated ornament. Fabric of the mound buildei's. 



Fig. 309 illustrates a bit of ancient Peruvian work executed on a 

 frame or in a rude loom, a checker pattern being produced by arrang- 

 ing the warp and woof now close together and now wide apart. 



Open work of this class is sometimes completed by after processes, 

 certain threads or filaments ])eing drawn out or introduced, by which 

 means the figures are emphasized and varied. 



In Fig. 310 we have a second Peruvian example in which the woof 

 threads have been omitted for the space of an inch, and across this 



