The Bases of Design

by Walter Crane

Of such the ancient Egyptians must always be typical.

If we look at the structure of the primitive Egyptian dwelling we shall find that it illustrates those influences of climate and locality in a very emphatic way.

In the first place, as we know, Egypt depends upon her great river, the Nile, which may be said to have made her existence possible, since its waters fertilize the whole country. It is interesting, then, to note that the primitive Egyptian dwelling was essentially suggestive of the riverside and of a country of sunshine. Its materials were those of the waterside, consisting of clay and canes and lotus reeds; the canes being used for the framing and support of the clay walls, which are built in layers between them.

The plans and diagrams of construction (from Viollet le Duc) will give a clear idea of the form and character of the primitive Egyptian dwelling. In the course of an interesting account of its construction he says: that it is a dwelling for a country where brilliant sunshine is the rule is shown by the smallness of the windows, which are furnished with lattices. The walls were frequently plastered with clay, covered with a composition made of the same clay and fine sand or white stone dust, and this furnished a ground for the painters who decorated the reeds and plastered walls with brilliant colours; the walls and ceilings of the interior were also decorated in the same way; rush mats furnished the floor and covered the lower part of the walls. Sometimes, also, we find a portico supported on bundles of reeds, the covering of which is made of wood and byblos, with a terrace of clay before the door, affording shade and coolness in front of the dwelling. Like most dwellings in eastern countries, there is a flat roof or terrace on the top of the house, approached by steps; and here awnings are spread on poles to give shade, when they can be used for sitting upon or for sleeping or enjoying the cool of the day.

Primitive Egyptian House, after Viollet le Duc

COLUMN FROM TEMPLE OF LUXOR.

When the Egyptians learned the art of building and carving in stone from the rock dwellers above the Delta, and built their great temples, they still perpetuated in stone, in the reeded and filleted columns with lotus capitals, the ornamental traditions of the reed-built primitive dwelling, and the painter still adorned them in bright primitive colours; so that we are perpetually reminded of the great riverside, from which sprung the flower of that ancient art and civilization. Another effect of climate upon art may be noted in the representation of figures. The Egyptian climate being extremely warm but equable, most out-door occupations precluded the wearing of much apparel, so that the figure nude and lightly clad plays an important part in Egyptian design, as in Greek.

At a time like the present, when the world of design suffers rather from what might be called too generous or too mixed a diet; when the tendency is to over-elaborate, to combine too many elements; to be lost either in an overdone flamboyance of curvature, or in a straining after a forced and inappropriate naturalism, a study of Egyptian art may be recommended as a wholesome corrective. The simplicity, severity, and restraint, abstract and yet vivid characterization of form, frank and primitive coloration, purposeful intention, and mural motives and methods are full of suggestiveness and value to the student and decorative designer.