The three-dimensional and variegated structures of agate, marble, fossil bearing rocks, and other natural substances have provided decorative detail that has been enjoyed since earliest times. The Chinese exploited the simplicity of the grain of bamboo in marvelous effect, but most uses of woodgrain depend on its regularity. Examples of stereology in decorative arts are found in mosaics and inlay, mosaic, marbleized and cameo glass, carved oriental lacquer, and in pattern welded and damascened steel. The sweeping patterns of the main features of the textiles discussed are all subject to topological and geometric restraints that arise in the physical nature of the system and the mathematics of sectioning, but there are enough irregularities to prevent unpleasant symmetry. -- AATA