Hieroglyphic, sacred carving, mostly applied to Egyptian picture and symbolic writing. See [Fig. 162].
Idealistic, used by some writers as equivalent to conventional, in opposition to “realistic”.
Imbrication, overlapping scale-like ornaments; as seen in fir-cones, the hop, and curved tiles on roofs, are examples of imbrication. The bark of the Chili pine is a peculiar instance of horizontal imbrication which is something like that of a Roman roof. It is used as decoration on roofs, torus mouldings, and small columns, and is a common way of filling certain spaces on Italian majolica. See [Fig. 26], A, B, C.
Inappropriate ornament, that which is improperly applied, so as to spoil the appearance, or interfere with the use of an object; is false, out of scale, or redundant. See page [21].
Independent ornaments. Things that are beautiful, quaint, or curious, that may be attached to a wall or surface, as festoons, shields, medallions, trophies, &c. See page [21], also [Fig. 133].
Interchange is when running vertical or horizontal patterns are divided by a vertical or horizontal axis, the colour of the ground on either side of it being different, the ornament on each side of the axis being of the colour of the opposite ground. See Figs. [173], [174].
Interlacing, ornament composed of bands, ribbons, ropes, rushes, osiers, &c., woven together, or crossing at intervals, as seen in Celtic, Byzantine, and Saracenic ornament; among examples of interlaced work may be mentioned braided, trellis, basket, and woven work. Figs. [22], [23].
Intersection, the points at which lines or other forms cut one another.
Monotony, sameness of tone; often shown in excessive repetition; a very undesirable feature in ornament: patterns within diapers without contrasting elements; mouldings coming together whose widths and profiles are nearly equal; panelling without sufficient variety in size; carved ornament of nearly equal relief—in short, any lack of variety in the composition, modelling, or colour of ornament produces monotony.
Mnemonic, ornament in which written signs or other elements are used for the purpose of aiding the memory. See page [130]. Figs. [Fig. 162], [Fig. 163].