Islamic Geometric Patterns: Their Historical Development and Traditional Methods of Construction

I have been working with Islamic pattern for almost thirty years, and this book has blown my mind. Bonner's breakdown of what is happening inside patterns, his theories on their creation, and his meticulous categorizing and ordering of patterns seems to be unprecedented in the field. This is not a book for beginners. If you are just starting to draw Islamic geometric patterns, begin with something simpler, like one of Eric Broug's books. If you have moved on from there, and are ready for more, this book is absolutely worth the $100.Bonner's central thesis is that Islamic geometric patterns developed and evolved out of what he calls the polygonal technique. This system is best known to many as the foundation of Girih tiles, from the five sided family of design, and has been written about extensively. Bonner demonstrates that it is in fact more likely that Girih itself developed out of earlier polygonal techniques based on other number families. He has meticulously tracked down and organized historical examples to support his thesis, and he builds a convincing case. Many designs can be created from different techniques, but the polygonal technique is unquestionably the best suited to analyze and categorize patterns. Bonner also demonstrates other design methodologies, and shows how they may have developed earlier patterns.Page after page of detailed pattern analysis demonstrate how to create virtually any pattern that can be found in the Islamic geometric repertoire, and also how to create endless new patterns. The first 150 pages or so provide brief historical introductions to the different cultures that created these patterns, and what was happening historically in both Islamic art, and a given country at the time. As one who has admired countless patterns, learning at least something about the cultures that created them is fascinating. Page after page of beautiful photographs adorn this section, and almost every pattern is cross referenced with a figure later in the book that shows you how to draw it.I am a working artist, making tiles, platters, and vases in the Islamic style. I have been creating my own patterns in this style for many years, and I am excited to see what new patterns I will create now that Mr. Bonner has opened my eyes to so many more possibilities!

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This book has helped me understand more about islamic geometry as a beginner. Though I may not understand some concepts, there were always apt examples and descriptions given. Though it may look intimidating, it is actually quite digestible and is able to sustain my interest.

This is a landmark in the study of islamic geometric ornament, a millennium-long cross-cultural highly mathematical tradition that produced world heritage sites on three continents.Jay Bonner has had a remarkable career, comprehensively studying islamic ornament, its transmission and its construction, extending it further in new directions. He has contributed ornamental designs to some of the most important buildings in the islamic world, and this is his magnum opus.This book is and is likely to remain a unique work that will be carefully studied for a long time (and critiqued too).It's expensive, but really worth the price if you can afford it. Either way, make your library get a copy!And enjoy!

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