Islamic design is the decorative tradition of the lands of the Islamic world, stretching historically from Spain and North Africa through the Middle East to Persia, Central Asia and India. It is characterised by intricate geometric patterns, flowing arabesque and vegetal ornament, and calligraphy, applied to architecture, ceramics, metalwork, glass, textiles, carpets and manuscripts.
Masterpieces of the tradition include the tilework of the Alhambra in Granada, the pottery of Iznik in Ottoman Turkey, Persian carpets and lustreware, and inlaid brass from Mamluk Egypt and Syria. European interest grew through trade and travel, and in the nineteenth century Islamic ornament became a major source for Western designers. Owen Jones studied the Alhambra closely and gave Islamic patterns a prominent place in his influential Grammar of Ornament of 1856. William De Morgan drew on Iznik and Persian palettes for his tiles and pottery, and Moorish smoking rooms and Arab-inspired interiors became fashionable in grand Victorian houses. Collectors value authentic Islamic metalwork, ceramics and textiles as well as European pieces in the Moorish or Islamic taste. Quality of pattern, colour and craftsmanship are the essential guides to merit.
