Decorative arts

Decorative arts, term covering a variety of artistic activities (including woodworking, glass handicrafts, textiles, and metalworking) not traditionally included in the fine arts, which include painting, sculpture, and architecture. The aim of the decorative arts is to beautify surroundings. Decorative artisans create furniture, porcelain, jewelry, and fabrics, as well as embellishments of buildings, such as gilding and molded plasterwork.