The thriving world of Islamic arts and crafts, presenting the rich cultural, philosophical and historical heritage that contemporary artists and craftspeople still draw on today

This comprehensive and accessible volume, packed with over 1,000 images, and connecting cultural history with modern practice, is a vital reference and practical resource for craftspeople, artists and students from all cultural backgrounds who seek to engage with the Islamic world.

Based on decades of research and expertise, and written by tutors at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, one of the world’s leading schools for the study of the traditional crafts of the East and West, it provides unparalleled access to a glorious range of techniques, methods, materials and skills.

• The fundamental principles of Islamic arts and crafts: geometry, islimi and calligraphy
• Widely used materials and tools, including pigments, gesso panels, gilding equipment, brushes, pens and paper
• Fully illustrated step-by-step guides to the crafting of artefacts and artworks, including Kufic calligraphy, plaster carving, Mughal and Persian miniature painting, parquetry, ceramics, mosaic and glassblowing

The history and significance of the techniques and materials used are explained, accompanied by numerous illustrations of masterworks found throughout the Islamic world.