Creativity and Crafts in the Muslim World

This volume highlights examples of images of innovative craft works from various regions of the Muslim world which have made these products flourish through the ages towards sublime. These examples reflect the authenticity of the craft products and the traditional arts as they are applied in architecture, calligraphy, gilding, arabesque, bookbinding, miniature, pottery, engraving on wood and other works. They are expressions of beauty and splendour and products of a creative spirit. The volume also gives an overview of the experiences of some member countries in the field of crafts and some craftspeople, in order to make these experiences shared by others, encourage cooperation and promote exchanges of views on the different techniques used. The volume also aims to provide a much needed documentation of scholarly nature relating to the various Islamic craft works as recorded on the spot, through field work. This documentation is supplemented with data and explanatory tables on the present state of this sector. The reader will also find information on the economic and financial aspects, the role of governments and patronage, data and documentation concerning this sector, the markets, channels of distribution, product development and promotion, among others.