Ornament and usefulness

Meaning

To adorn and beautify is one purpose of Nature’s first kind of separation. Parts can have distinct places, figures and capacities while contributing to a whole through mutual usefulness. “Ornament” is therefore not merely dispensable surface decoration: it names differentiated order, contrasted with the second separation that removes obstructive matter. Art’s work upon impurity should not be confused with Nature’s origination and ordering of the members. The local pairing of ornament and utility explains why distinction need not imply damage or severance.