Application is a technique of decorative and applied art: essence, types, history

Application is a technique of decorative and applied art, based on the application or sewing of patterns, figures, and other decorative elements onto a background material. The term "application" is derived from the Latin word applicatio, meaning attachment.

Application. Modern application with pearls

Application has long been used by people not only to adorn everyday items and surroundings but is also in demand in the field of preschool and primary education for developing children's sensory perception, creative skills, and motor skills.

Types of Application

Application is a versatile technique that encompasses a vast array of different methods for creating decorative images. Among them are both widely popular worldwide and unique variations specific to certain cultures with narrow geographic boundaries.

Application. Leather application on women's bag

All types of application can be classified based on the following criteria:

• Form (dimensional or flat).
• Color (single or multicolored).
• Theme (object-based, narrative, decorative, or abstract).
• Application area (for interior items, household goods, furniture, clothing, footwear).
• Purpose (illustration, decoration, refreshing the appearance, or repairing a creative object).
• Material (fabric, beads, paper, leather, fur, clay, straw, leaves, down, shells, grains, buttons, threads, yarn, wood pieces).
• Base type (cardboard, fabric, wood, paper, glass, plastic).
• Attachment method (sewn or glued).
• Style (vintage, country, modern, military, high-tech, ethnic).

Application. Fabric application on clothes

Application shares many similarities with other popular techniques of decorative and applied art, such as decoupage and inlay. All of them are intended for embellishing interior items but differ in distinctive features.

Application. Decor on the wall

Inlay refers to a finishing technique for solid surfaces of a base using similar solid pieces of materials: wood, metal, artificial and natural stone, ivory, and pearls. It is used to adorn building facades, interior spaces, and furniture items (tables, chairs, chests, dressers, cabinets).

Application. Inlay. Storks in a nest

Decoupage is a type of decorating technique in which elements adhered to the base are additionally coated with a thick layer of varnish. A transparent film reliably protects the decor from the negative effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations. Decoupage is used not only in conjunction with application and inlay but also in the creation of relief icons, tableware, and picture frames.

Application. Decoupage of leaves

History of Application

The history of application dates back to prehistoric times when our ancient ancestors learned to sew clothing from animal skins. It was during this period that the idea of additionally decorating clothing with various decorative items emerged. Gradually, human society saw the division of people into different categories (leaders, priests, common people, warriors, craftsmen, farmers).

Application. Clothes decorated with application in Ancient Rus

Even in those times, application became a sought-after technique in the realm of decorative and applied art. With its help, one could visually indicate a person's belonging to a specific social group.

The practice of decorating everyday items with application quickly spread worldwide. It was widely used for decorating:

• Equestrian gear among nomadic peoples.
• Heraldic symbols and flags among warriors.
• Ceremonial attire for religious ceremonies among cult practitioners.
• Formal and everyday clothing among the nobility.

Application. Men's jeans with application

Ancient application traditions were constantly refined throughout human history. Older generations passed down their knowledge and skills to descendants, and new materials periodically emerged for use in decoration.

Application. Unusual children's application

Even in our time, application has not lost its popularity. Modern artists continue to create unique objects of decorative and applied art based on ancient folk traditions. In educational institutions, children learn the intricacies of the ancient application technique, introducing them from an early age to the world of beauty and developing creative skills.

Application. Artistic application

Visitors to the Very Important Lot portal can always participate in art auctions to acquire unique items of fine and decorative applied art. Additionally, they can choose and purchase paintings directly from contemporary artists.