Islamic Designs for Artists and Craftspeople

by Eva Wilson

"British Museum Pattern Books" reproduce in line drawings the rich variety of patterns and designs which decorate art and artefacts in The British Museum and elsewhere. This visual anthology of 280 designs and patterns is drawn from the rich heritage of Islamic art c.800-1600 AD. Designers, craftsmen, artists, teachers and students will find the series endlessly useful.

Paperback

First published December 1, 1988

Reviews

[Mehmet Dönmez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic sketches with some explanations on some geometrical patterns. I wish the book wasn't black and white.

[Gavin White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well produced book on Islamic design that covers a wide range of styles and subject matter. The images of geometric art are particularly useful as they show you the geometric matrix upon which the designs are made. Like other books in this British Museum series, all the images are black and white - this is fine for most of the material but I did find it a bit limited with some of the more complex floral designs which really need a colour reproduction to do them any justice.

[Asma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The designs chosen reflect the amazing capabilities of Islamic artists back then, I just wish it was in colors. It would’ve been awesome to see Iznik tiles and the pottery and ceramic work in colors. Hopefully, I’ll see it in person one day.

Anyway the designed here helped me a lot with my own work. It’s not a step by step kind of book, rather it shows pottery, geometric work, metalwork, calligraphy and illumination.