Anthemion is a classical ornamental motif based on the honeysuckle or palmette, formed from a fan of radiating petals or leaves rising from a scrolled base. It was used extensively in ancient Greek architecture and pottery, often as a continuous band of alternating upright and inverted flowers linked by curling tendrils.
The motif was revived with great enthusiasm during the Neoclassical period in the second half of the eighteenth century, when Robert Adam and his contemporaries applied it to friezes, ceilings, chimneypieces, mirror frames and furniture. It became even more prominent in the Greek Revival and Regency years, appearing in brass inlay, gilt metal mounts, carved and painted frames, cast iron balconies and railings, and on silver and ceramics. It continued to be used throughout the Victorian period in architectural ironwork, fire grates, plasterwork and wallpaper. For collectors, crisp and well-proportioned anthemion decoration is a useful indicator of quality and period taste, and its presence often helps to place a piece within the Neoclassical or Regency tradition. In interiors it remains a familiar element of classical cornices, ceiling roses and decorative mouldings.
