Further, it may be observed that the Method of treating these Elements has been different:

(In the West)(In the East)
The Geometrical lines were enriched by the introduction of the details of Natural vegetation; thus becoming gradually more naturalesque. The natural foliage was codified by the introduction of Geometrical arrangement; thus becoming gradually more artificial.

An APPROXIMATION between the two treatments, sometimes appears; but the two kinds—Artificial, and Natural—are essentially different in origin; and should be kept distinct in their application.

This approximation may be shown, in a tabular arrangement, thus:

GEOMETRY...........................................................NATURE
The patterns are merely The plants are copied as
straight lines, dots, and accurately as possible.
portions of circles.
The lines become stems. The plant is applied
without repetition.
Leaves are added to the Repetition is used with the
stems. plants.
Serration is added to the Weaving economy induces
leaf-edge. symmetry.
Similarity of serrated Symmetry induces Geometrical
leaf-edge to the Akanthos Severity, and the Omission
plant, is observed; of all details of the
Imitation becomes more original plant which are not
direct; and this artificial easily worked in connection
foliage becomes termed with geometrical
"Acanthus." arrangement.
Flowers generally circular The Flowers and Leaves
in mass- shape, are added (only) survive; the growth
at the ends of the spiral of the stems is forgotten;
stems. and tradition does the rest.

§ 3.—APPLICATION OF THE TWO KINDS.

Each of these two kinds of foliage has its own proper use. Artificial foliage is appropriate to the enrichment of Architecture; and Natural foliage to those objects which are not architectural, but are termed "movables," including under this term, Furniture, and more especially Hangings and other applications of the Textile art.

This may be seen on comparing the two columns below, of which the L.H. one refers to Architecture, and the R.H. one to Natural foliage.

(Architecture)(Natural foliage)
RULES:
Governed by severe rules of Repetition, Axiality, Symmetry, etc., which are apparent to the passer-by. Hence Artificial foliage, being regular in its structure, is more appropriate than the (apparently) irregular growth of Natural foliage.Exhibits apparent playful Freedom. There are underlying Rules, which< are detected by the scientific Botanist; but these are not seen by the casual observer.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Rigidity and Stability.Elasticity and Tremulousness in every breeze.
LINES OF COMPOSITION:
Geometrical lines.The geometrical lines and spirals of Artificial foliage demand an unmoving surface for proper view.In determinate curves, which are very subtile, and varied, and therefore suitable to a hanging and< swaying material.
They would generally be spoiled if not on a plane surface.The curves of Nature are not spoiled when on a folded material.
DISTRIBUTION:
Symmetrical. The symmetry of artificial foliage is appropriate to that of Architecture.Balanced. The growth of natural foliage is generally symmetrical; but this is not apparent.
BEAUTY:
Depends on form, with color as a secondary adjunct.More appropriate to objects which depend on color for their principal charm.

There have been waves of the desire to introduce Natural foliage into Architecture (e.g. in the "Decorated period" of Gothic architecture); but the Artificial elements have always proved too strong, and the two have never mixed. In Architecture, everything has three dimensions; and the artificial foliage is carved with leaves, etc., of a suitable thickness: in Natural foliage the tenuity of leaves, etc., is such that it cannot be reproduced. Even in the architraves round the glorious doors of Florence the natural foliage is not always a success; and where Ghiberti has stopped short in the ductile bronze, it is not probable that the modern carver will succeed in stone. It may therefore be suggested that the close imitation of Natural foliage should be confined to objects of two dimensions, i.e., to plane surfaces and figured materials.