Swastika meander

Greek meander

"T" meander

Broken & Straight meander

Simple guilloche

Three-strand guilloche

Four-strand guilloche

Six-strand guilloche

Chain guilloche

Cubes in 3d perspective

Solomon knot

Crowstep

Imbrication

Shield of triangles

Floral vault pattern

Star of lozenges

Pelta

Scroll (resembling acanthus or floral)

Dentilled band

Bead and Reel

Wave Band

Palmette

Ivy Scroll

Fillet

Glossary of typical ornamental Roman mosaic patterns with pictures linked to examples from our Roman mosaics for sale After looking at this glossary, you will be able to easily recognize mosaic patterns and give name to the typical Roman mosaic adornments.The swastika is a sign of good luck since the ancient times. With strong and straight masculine lines, mosaic makers were using it as a geometric mosaic adornment.Symbols of eternity and unity, Greek key meanders were common for adornment in Greek and Roman architecture, paintings, pottery and mosaics.Alternative Meander pattern to the common Greek key.Defining the visual borders of compositions and adding visual movement, the guilloche is one of the most common Roman mosaic patterns made by interlacing 2 moving strand lines.Commonly combined with other geometric compositions, 3d cubes were repeatedly appearing on Roman mosaics or as a whole composition itself.A widely mystified symbol but with most probable origin as a symbol of ancient wool weaving techniques.This pattern of Greek origin was widely used for early mosaic floors and the more modest designs.Usually made of a colorful palette, this pattern resembles the overlapping of edges found in the nature like those of fish scales and pinecones.Very commonly used together with Medusa mosaics, this geometric patterns creates a very sophisticated optical effect on floors. For example the medusa mosaic in the House of Apuleius.Common decoration when the delimiting lines of mosaic compositions get crossed. Many examples exist, the most significant is the mosaic in the House of Drinking Contest.Ancient semi-circular shape featured in many Roman mosaics.An adornment of feminin forms typically found on Dyonisus or Bacchus mosaics.Common ornamental element of Greek and Roman architecture, also appeared on mosaic adornments.Another adornment borrowed from Greek arquitecture and pottery.Borrowed from Greek art ornaments, the early Roman mosaic included palmettes as a mosaic pattern.

The below is an interesting example of monochrome fillet. Common fillets are black and white without change of direction.

Lotus Band

Wavy Ribbon (Usually 3D)

Roman mosaic patterns are beautiful additions for architectural elements like stair risers or classical friezes.Please leave us a comment if you recognize any pattern we did not include.