La Décoration Arabe: Decors Muraux, Plafonds, Mosaiques, Dallages, Boiseries, Vitraux, Etoffes, Tapis, Reliures, Faiences, Ornaments Divers

Paris: J. Savoy, 1885. Folio. (15 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches). pp. [iv], 4. Illustrated with 110 plates (the 12 double-page plates bear 2 numbers), 87 of which are vivd chromolothographs. Quarter vellum over pattern paper boards, spine with gilt ruled lines forming six compartments, red morocco lettering piece in the second compartment

Rare first edition of a beautifully illustrated work on Arab decorative art, serving as both a scholarly reference and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Islamic artistry.

Prisse d'Avennes, a French archaeologist, Egyptologist, architect and writer, is celebrated for his extensive study of Islamic art, architecture, (truncated) and decorative design. Born in Paris, Prisse d'Avennes's career was deeply shaped by his time in Egypt, where he lived for several years during the 19th century, working as a translator, researcher, and consultant for the Egyptian government. His travels through the Middle East and North Africa resulted in a wealth of drawings and studies that brought the intricate and vibrant world of Arab art and architecture to the attention of Western audiences. La Décoration Arabe is one of Prisse d'Avennes's significant contributions to the field of Islamic Art History. This sumptuous volume presents a detailed examination of the ornamental traditions that flourished in the Arab world, offering intricate illustrations of arabesque patterns, geometric designs, and floral motifs that define the aesthetic of Islamic decoration and textile design. The book is not only a visual feast but also a scholarly work that reflects the 19th-century fascination with the "Orient" and its artistic traditions. Prisse d'Avennes's expertise in architectural design and his understanding of the materials and techniques used in Islamic art are evident throughout the book. As a pioneer in documenting the artistic heritage of the Islamic world, Prisse d'Avennes helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western aesthetic traditions, influencing generations of designers and architects. (Inventory #: 42131)