Islamic Geometric Patterns

Clear diagrams and a detailed explanatory text: an inspirational guide for craftspeople and artists everywhere. Includes a CD-ROM.

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 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; The Koran of Rashid al-Din. Over 290 illustrations

Eric Broug is an educator and artist. He holds a master’s degree in the history of Islamic art and architecture from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. In addition to leading workshops and giving lectures around the world, Broug runs his own school of Islamic geometric design and has worked on many projects in the Middle East and beyond. He is also the author of Islamic Geometric Patterns, Islamic Geometric Design, and the Islamic Design Workbook.