The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Theory Of Decoration
They may also be framed without mats, but in no case should an elaborate frame be used. Bamboo frames, once popular for this purpose, are particularly objectionable, and such a use of the material would not be countenanced by the Japanese themselves.
Pictures may be hung either from a picture moulding near the top of the walls or on hooks or nails hidden behind the picture itself. The latter method is usually to be preferred. It is sometimes difficult, however, as it damages the wall more or less, and for large pictures the former method is usually better. In any case, the pictures should be kept flat against the wall, or very nearly so, as to tilt them forward detracts from their decorative effect. Where picture mouldings are used, the ordinary method is to fasten the ends of a wire tonscrew-eyes in the back of the frame, the wire being carried over a hook caught over the moulding. In this method the wire takes the form of an inverted V, producing a restless effect, due to its sloping lines. A better method is to pass the wire loosely through two screweyes, inserted in the back of the frame close to the top, vvitli a hook at each end, the wire thus being carried up vertically, and having quiet, unobtrusive lines. Two separate wires, one on each side, may also be used, but it is difficult to make them exactly the same length. Once in place, however, they remain indefinitely, while the single wire needs readjustment every time the pictures are dusted, to keep them level, for nothing looks worse than pictures askew on a wall. Occasionally we find, particularly in period rooms in the French styles, pictures hung with ribbons or cords and tassels. Apart from this treatment, the wires and hooks should be kept as simple and in conspicuous as possible, as they are utilitarian objects, of no artistic interest. Where possible, the wires may be toned to the color of the wall, and the hooks to that of the moulding, which should not be gilt, as in some examples one sees, but the color of the walls, woodwork, or cornice.
The placing and grouping of pictures is of course far more important than the mechanical detail of their hanging. Here, as in so many decorative problems, excess is above all to be avoided. A room without pictures may be bare and unfriendly, but one crowded with pictures of no interest is far worse. A single large picture on a wall is the simplest possible arrangement. The general proportions of the picture should recall those of the space it is intended to decorate. Thus, for a long, narrow panel, a similarly shaped picture has the best effect, while for a space nearly square, the picture should be of similar proportions.
Where several pictures are to be used together, they should be arranged symmetrically, with the largest in the center.
