In which situation will a useful object be considered close to applied art?

When it has a balance of function, design, and beauty

The governing concept of applied art is the integration of practical function with intentional artistic design. A useful object becomes close to applied art when its form, material, colour, proportion, surface, and finish are planned not only to work well but also to create visual or sensory value. Option A is correct because it expresses a balance among function, design, and beauty. Option B removes the defining practical purpose, while C describes a sensory condition rather than a basis for classifying a useful designed object. Option D is not meaningful because every designed object has some form, even if that form is simple. Applied art does not mean decoration alone; it joins usefulness with artistic quality and thoughtful design.

This is a Class 9 Art Education question. Chapter: Introduction to Art. Topic: Types of art.