Topkapi

The design tradition that is distinctively Turkish dates back a thousand years incorporating diverse influences in its long and colorful history traces of the cultures of China Central Asia Greece and Byzantium among them. This handsome book incorporating over 250 bold black-and-white illustrations all permission-free offers graphic artists students and those interested in design and the decorative arts a unique opportunity to study enjoy and analyze characteristic elements of authentic Turkish design. Plant motifs are abundant as well as those featuring animals and birds of myth and legend from dragons to harpies. Here too are exotic rumi interlacements of design elements incorporating features of animals. Chain patterns geometric and symbolic motifs architectural forms stylized suns and moons rosettes and borders calligraphic lettering and Turkish adaptations of rococo are among other types of designs represented. The historic sources for these designs range from a ceiling decoration in a sultan's throne room and stone carvings from the Seljuk monuments in Sivas to rug designs from the Alaaddin Mosque in Konya Turkey and floral bouquets painted on lacquered wooden panels in the dining room of the Topkapi Palace harem. Design s in many sizes and shapes have been included in this outstanding collection every detail rendered in a clear easily reproducible image.