geometry and ornament in Islamic architecture
July 15, 2019 8:15 AM   Subscribe

Created by master builders in the late medieval Iranian world, the Topkapı Scroll compiles a rich repertory of geometric drawings for wall surfaces and vaults. [previously]
posted by ragtag (9 comments total) 35 users marked this as a favorite
 
Man I love Kufic calligraphy. Usually it's a square symmetry; this hexagonal one is interesting.
posted by Nelson at 8:45 AM on July 15, 2019


Super cool- I love it.
posted by Liquidwolf at 8:59 AM on July 15, 2019


Escher would approve.
posted by CrowGoat at 9:36 AM on July 15, 2019 [1 favorite]


Escher visited the Alhambra and it had a profound effect on him.
posted by adamvasco at 9:58 AM on July 15, 2019 [6 favorites]


Lovely. ISTR there was an online version, but I can't find it now.

The scroll appears to be a pattern book, and I love the idea that there was a Persian artisan who travelled around going, "Yeah, I can do you fan shaped muqarnas on these corners no bother, mate. A full vault of stellate ones, though? … «makes international expensive noise»”
posted by scruss at 11:45 AM on July 15, 2019 [5 favorites]


Thanks for posting this, I look forward to studying it in depth.
posted by mumimor at 12:13 PM on July 15, 2019


I find Islamic Geometric Design fascinating and I found a few resources I enjoy.

I found Eric Brough and his books. I have his book, Islamic Geometric Patterns, and I keep trying to make some time to learn the compass and ruler construction method for these intricate designs.

On the Internet Archive there is another book I really like: Les Elements de l'Art Arabe that has a wealth of information and patterns.

There is also a Facebook group where people share their designs and methods. They use other methods and grids in addition to the basic ruler and compass approach.
posted by Altomentis at 9:02 PM on July 15, 2019 [1 favorite]


oooooh
posted by cortex at 9:04 PM on July 15, 2019 [1 favorite]


Les Elements de l'Art Arabe

Glad you like it. I put it up there after cleaning up the Google scans.
posted by scruss at 5:42 AM on July 16, 2019


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