The Vitruvian wave is a poetic image signifying the ideal harmony of form, function and firmness, the rhythm of eternal principles of beauty.

The Vitruvian wave (also known as the Vitruvian scroll or running dog) is an ornament, a decorative motif consisting of repeating wave-like forms. Most often, this decorative element can be found in architecture – in the design of buildings’ facades built in the Neoclassical or Art deco styles, where references to ancient canons are important. In the interiors of libraries and theatres, in universities and concert halls – that is, spaces associated with knowledge, art and harmony. Vitruvian waves are found in the design and decoration of luxury items – on watch cases, in jewellery, in exclusive furniture – as a sign of adherence to the highest principles of craftsmanship.

The name of the ornament is associated with the name of Vitruvius (Latin: Marcus Vitruvius Pollio; c. 80-70 BC – after 13 BC), the ancient Roman polymath, architect and engineer, known for his treatise ‘De Architectura’ (‘On Architecture’) written in the 1st century BC. Seeking to find universal laws of beauty and harmony through mathematics and geometry, Vitruvius summarised the knowledge of his time about the art of construction and, in particular, derived the ‘three laws’ of architecture – the famous ‘Vitruvian Triad’: firmness, utility, beauty (Latin: firmitas, utilitas, venustas).

Vitruvian wave is widely used in architecture and various fields of decorative and applied art. Some researchers refer to it as a rounded variation of the meander, an ornament based on the rhythmic alternation and combination of geometric elements. The areas between the wavy curls can be decorated with other stylised forms, and the pattern can be reversed, with broken waves in a disorderly fashion.
The wave symbolises the power of nature, dynamism, vital energy and the eternal cycle of time. This pattern was often used to decorate various objects and buildings, from columns and frescoes to decorative elements on tableware and clothing. Since a wave is a line, this ornament is mainly used for ‘edging’, i.e. as a decorative border.

On the cover: Creamer. Fabergé Company. Russia, Moscow. 1899-1908

Illustration: Travel ashtray with cigar holder. Anders Nevalainen gold and silverware workshop, Fabergé. Russia, Saint Petersburg. 1908-1917
Cigarette case. Master monogramist ‘KA’. Russia, Saint Petersburg. Last quarter of the 19^th century
Dome for serving platter. Master monogramist ‘ЄФ’. Russia, Saint Petersburg. 1770 – early 1780s