In calculated contrast, sharp black wedges streak mathematically across a white ground. The black and white stripes that line Eugen Trost’s Zebra cup and saucer accentuate its tapered, circular form just as cleanly as they denote the wild zebra, from which it takes its name. These stripes, however, are hand painted. The Gefle Porcelinsfabrik in...

This children’s wallpaper combines both new and old thoughts on designing wallpapers for children. Introduced in the 1870s, children’s wallpapers were designed to be instructional, to engage children and help them learn. From the late 19th century until the early years of the 20th century, wallpapers were meant to be an interactive way for children...