semantics

The text upon an object is both evidence for and part of its form and
therefore its function; just as the construction and purpose of an
object gives context to and aids in the interpretation of text. Indeed,
the form of an object effects the placement and design of text and
decoration upon it. Non-verbal decorations drawn or painted on an object
fall somewhere between (2-D) text and (3-D) physical object: like the
text they are added by the scribe or artist, they have semantic (if not
verbal) connotation, and are often taken out of the material context of