Maze Patterns

by Aidan Meehan

The brilliant, beautiful designs, decorations and patterns of the Celts - expressed in their metalwork, stonework and jewellery, and continued in the manuscript illumination of Celtic Christianity - are an astonishing art form whose legacy has fascinated both Celtic and non-Celtic peoples for many centuries right through to the present day. The versatile power of these ornamental designs, and hence their use as a source of inspiration for designers and craftspeople of all kinds, is revealed to the full in this step-by-step guide. Celtic mazes belong to an ancient class of spiral ornament which Celtic artists of the early middle ages developed with unequalled ingenuity and virtuosity. These patterns can even be drawn freehand following the method described here - a technique used by the ancient masters, now rediscovered and clearly illustrated for the first time. The beauty and simplicity of the designs makes them an ideal introduction to Celtic art, comprising delightful calligraphy and illumination which everyone can produce for themselves.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Elouise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, simple, quick-read book about Celtic mazes and their meaning to the Celtic culture. Not only does it include its cultural meaning, but also step-by-step instructions on how to make them yourself; more than 50 designs if I could take a quick guess.
As an artist, I loved this book. It's not spectacular, but it is good.

I have a deep interest in Celtic culture, and the historical art, which goes from times before Christ, has fascinated me for months now. I thank my friend for gifting me this book, I love you dearly. I will definitely learn to make these maze designs, as I now have the book for it, and maybe put it into my art one day, who knows?
Thank you to my friend.

[زاهي رستم · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always respect the Celtic arts, and how they add beauty to there lives in very simple ways. this book helps me to learn how to draw there pattern and i have many ways to use what i have learned... at least i can use that with stencil art

[Amy Lucey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, great for an artist.