Hollyhock House and Yoruba resist-dyed cloth share which decorative element?

• A. A central motif
• B. Bright color palette
• C. Geometric repetition
• D. Natural materials

Answer: (A)

Both works use a central motif as the anchor of their decorative programs. In Hollyhock House, the hollyhock flower becomes a recognizable emblem that appears across different elements—stained glass, screens, and ornament—giving the architecture a unified visual identity. Yoruba resist-dyed cloth (adire) often centers on a bold motif placed at the heart of the pattern, with surrounding designs built around it to create a balanced composition. This focus on a single central element acts as a unifying thread that links the design across media and cultures, more distinct than simply using bright colors, repeating geometry, or natural materials.