This richly illustrated book allows readers to identify the elements and themes of Islamic art forms, and to examine them in works of painting and metalwork, in calligraphy and manuscripts, ceramics, glass, wood, and ivory.

This Stunning book includes more than four hundred reproductions of treasures of Islamic art that span the world. With its large format, exquisite photographs and extensive research, this is a thorough introduction toan exceptional artistic tradition. --

The historical development of Islamic art and the variations of different geographical regions are surveyed

From the Alhmabra to Owen Jones, Islamic Arts from Spain tells the story of the art and design produced in Spain under Islamic rule and examines the long-lasting influence of Islamic Spain on European decorative arts. The book looks first at patronage during the 'Golden Age' of the Umayyad caliphate, from the mid-tenth to the early eleventh century, before discussing the Nasrid dynasty who ruled from Granada in a territory much reduced by the resurgent Christian monarchs of northern Spain. It also explores the phenomenon of the 'Mudejar', Islamic-influenced arts produced for non-Muslim patrons in the Renaissance and the craze for the 'Alhambresque', a style promoted by European designers such as Owen Jones. Addressing the creation, suppression, rediscovery and influence of Islamic art in Spain from the eighth to the twentieth century, the book is lavishly illustrated with objects drawn from the V+A's collections, from exquisite ivory caskets,marble tombstones and capitals to architectural models, jewellery, textiles and ceramics.