The marvels of Islamic patterns'the most recognizable visual expression of Islamic art and architecture?are not just a beautiful accident. The ancient practitioners of this craft used traditional methods of measurement to create dazzling geometric compositions, often based on the repetition of a single pattern. The results are magnificent in their beauty and awe-inspiring in their execution.

Now, with the aid of this book, everyone can learn how to master this ancient art and create their own intricate patterns or re-create classic examples. All one needs are a pencil, a ruler, a compass, and a steady hand. First, technical tips demonstrate the basics: how to draw a square, hexagon, or pentagon. This is followed by some of the best examples of geometric patterns from around the world, arranged into three levels of complexity, with careful, step-by-step instructions. The book comes with a CD that contains templates of squares and hexagons that can be printed out.

The book features geometric patterns from some of the most famous and beautiful Islamic architecture and art, including: La Mezquita, Cordoba; Capella Palatina, Sicily;Mustansiriya Madrasa, Baghdad; Umayyad Mosque, Damascus; Mosque of al-Salih Tala?I, Cairo and The Koran of Rashid al-Din

Eric Broug received his master's degree in the History of Islamic Art & Architecture from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. He now runs Broug Ateliers for Islamic Architecture, Arts, and Crafts, which creates contemporary Islamic art.

Dimensions: 6.5" x 9.5" (inches)
Pages: 128
Edition: Softcover
Language: English
ISBN: 978-0-500-28721-7