Summary

The culture of the Muslim world has developed a very specific type of ornamental design, which is grounded in the religious demands of Islam.

The culture of the Muslim world has developed a very specific type of ornamental design, which is grounded in the religious demands of Islam. Also known as Arabesque, the visual language of Islamic design employs a variety of geometric patterns, floral elements and ornate calligraphy, all of which are used to decorate furniture and buildings. The flowing nature and mathematical rigour of the Arabesque evoke a sense of eternity and order, which has proved to be aesthetically pleasing. ISLAMIC PATTERNS FROM EGYPT presents a collection of architectural ornamental designs originating from two of the most important cultural centres in the Islamic world, the mediaeval Egyptian cities of Cairo and Alexandria. Originally used as tiling and bas-reliefs for mosques, tombs and private houses, these designs constitute masterpieces of Islamic ornamental design that have lost none of their appeal today. In the present edition, the ornaments, borders and interlocking patterns of this historical style are made available for contemporary use.