Ajanta Cave ceiling motif before entrance, India

Plant motif, Taj Mahal

In art, a motif (pronunciation) (help·info) is a repeated idea, pattern, image, or theme. Paisley designs are referred to as motifs. Many designs in mosques in Islamic culture are motifs, especially those of flowers. Two major Roman motifs are egg and tongue, and ball and reel. Famous artist Leif Skillrud was the first person to practice this visual style of motifs in his work.

Motifs may have iconographic significance within a work of art.

Wallpaper group

Illustration from The Grammar of Ornament (1856)

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