World of Design, Symbols and Motifs. Design Books at Mehndi Skin Art

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264 black-and-white illustrations--all permission free--offer a unique opportunity for those interested in graphic and decorative arts to study and enjoy the splendid 1,000-year-old Turkish design tradition. Plant and animal motifs, chain patterns, geometrical and symbolic motifs, architectural forms, stylized suns and moons, rosettes and borders, calligraphic lettering and Turkish adaptations of rococo--all derived from authentic sources--are among the many types of design illustrated in clear, easily reproducible images. Read more

Ms. Wilson presents various elements of Arabic designs drawn mostly in black and white. She includes instruction for reproducing the designs and commentary on time periods and original colors used. The only thing that would have made this book better would have been pictures of the artifacts she refers to in her extensive documentation. A must have for anyone doing Islamic or Arabic arts! Read more

Arabic Geometrical Patterns are not so easy to find, not to mention understand their know-how's, this book clearly displays a very wide array of examples with simple step by step instructions displayed on the same platform, i was searching for a book like that, this book is quite enough, it is not for novice beginners though, you need to have some background in such subject as the text and description for each chapter is very limited, and the book is totally black and white, so you have to figure out what color combinations are suitable. But the layout of the book makes reproducing the wonderful examples easy. Read more

Attractive selection of illustrations, reprinted from rare late-19th-century German collection of designs for surface decoration, textiles, other uses. Includes 124 stylized representations of lush blossoms, tropical fruits and graceful foliage. Inspirational, permission-free, low-cost sourcebook for artists and craft workers. Read more

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The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols is a work that should not go unnoticed. For the person who has a passing interest, or for the person researching Biblical and Traditional symbolism, this book is perfect. Each entry has the word, along with its Hebrew word and transliteration. There are simple illustrations dispersed throughout the book. I like that. Each entry also gives great historical perspective and proves to be entertaining and informative reading. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Jewish symbols. Read more

The Shadurs, an Israeli husband-and-wife research team, have updated their 1994 Jewish Paper cuts: A History and Guide with studies of additional examples that have since come to light in Eastern Europe. Focusing on the "classic" period from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century, the book offers expanded chapters that detail their insights into many different aspects of this devotional art form: for example, they make comparisons with non-Jewish paper cutting traditions, explain the symbols and motifs, delineate differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic examples throughout the Diaspora, and offer reproductions on the Judaica market. The Shadurs devote a tribute section to the pioneering scholar in the field, Giza Frankel (1895-1984), whose main work, The Art of the Jewish Paper cut, was translated from Polish into English in 1996. Gentiles as well as Jews will be intrigued to learn how ordinary people, using simple penknives, translated traditional religious imagery from sources like synagogue murals and Torah shrines into devotional objects for specific ritual purposes in their homes. This, the essential text on the subject, is recommended for folk art and religion sections of all public libraries. Anne Marie Lane, American Heritage Ctr., Laramie, WY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Read more

I am so glad I got this book and I am sure I will use it often. I think it will be very inspirational in things that I want to make with an "all over" pattern or for use in making borders. From looking at the paisleys in the book I can see where paisleys come from and I never really thought of that before. The paisleys may seem the same to some people but I do like seeing so many different ways to do the same thing. I have been happy with most of the Dover books that I have...I think they do a good job! Read more

Hundreds of beautifully rendered, copyright-free images painstakingly adapted from a host of design traditions: primitive tribal, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Chinese, Japanese, Persian, Byzantine, French Renaissance and more. Also, decorative motifs derived from metalwork, heraldic ornament, floral vignettes, letters, other elements. Invaluable sourcebook for artists, craft workers and decorative arts enthusiasts.

This is a good sourcebook for classic Renaissance style and some Greek style illustrations. Much of the Renaissance art is Greek inspired. Especially noted are the beautiful, and out of the ordinary depictions of Aphrodite. It is interesting to see the Old Pagan influence in these historically accurate depictions. Read more

This book is perfect if your planning to make a nice rug. We bought it for henna designs. The patterns in this book are not good for Mehndi. Nice designs though!

Outstanding collection of 400 motifs of rich Persian tradition, ready to use in many areas of design. The motifs include floral designs, geometrics, arabesques, mythical creatures, rosettes, paisley patterns, palmettes, medallions, border and marginal decorations, scrolls, curves, and hunting scenes. Read more

The traditional arts and crafts of India reflect the exuberant spirit of the land and its people. Focusing on 4 distinct and exquisite types of traditional native folk craft, the authors have brought forth a wealth of creative suggestions and graphic possibilities with these 99 full and partial color illustrations of authentic Indian motifs. Introduction. Map. 99 illustrations. Read more

This book is a bargain and especially useful for artists working in various mediums that want to include the ancient designs of Mexico. All of the motifs are authentic and come from extensive research with such collaborators as Mexico's National Museum and it's directors and associated professors. Numerous individual contributors, such as artists like Diego Rivera and Miguel Covarrubias have contributed their own personal collections for reproduction. The author, Jorge Enciso, first published this book in 1947 and it has been out of print for quite awhile, that is until Dover Press came out with a paperback edition. The designs are all magnificent reproductions of stamps used in various parts of ancient Mexico. Many of the designs you've probably seen before in artwork where a Mexican motif is used but there are countless others that are unique and rarely seen. Intricate, geometric designs abound as well as drawings that feature the natural world and the use of animal figures both real and imagined. The decorative patterns are elaborate manifestations of the cultures of pre-Columbian Oaxaca, Veracruz, Azcapotzalco, Yucatan, Puebla and Teotihuacan amongst others. Many of these designs are still used in the arts and crafts that are produced in these areas. There are more designs than any one artist could ever use. These designs are useful as well as springboards for other ideas inspired by the ancient designs. Dover Press has given permission to use up to ten designs for any project without permission so any artist can use them without copyright infringement. A very handy book for people interested in preserving the artistic traditions of Mexico. Read more

Rich selection of authentic Indian motifs adapted from art and artifacts of Indians of the Southwest, the Plains and the Northwest, as well as Maya and Aztecs. Easily reproducible designs add Native American flair to posters, newsletters, brochures, many other projects.

This book is chocked full of Native American motifs and designs from many nations! Each graphic is titled by tribe, even branches of Tribes (eg: Dakota Sioux) and the book is broken down into sections of geographic areas, eg: Pacific Northwest, Great Plains, Southwest, etc. Very well put together, this was an excellent resource and the best N.A. Tribal design book I've found!
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Japanese kanji characters combine meaning with beauty and thus offer a unique medium for artistic expression. But if you don't know the language, how do you find characters that say what you want and are not just a "kanji cliché"? You can start here. This attractive book has over one hundred thirty kanji presented in a simple format for easy use. For example:
Post the kanji for kenshin on a mirror to remind you of your "devotion" to your studies. Embroider bussho on a meditation cushion to help you reflect on "Buddha nature." Tattoo the name Zatoichi on your upper arm as homage to your favorite blind swordsman hero. Show your "love" with a card decorated by Kanji.

Pick from Warrior, Heart, Nature, and Spirit categories to find the characters that express your sentiments best. Each entry includes historical or etymological background, often with unusual "kanji facts." Then trace, photocopy, or even stencil the clear letterforms displayed in several different kanji "fonts" to get just the effect you want. Included is an introduction to kanji, writing tips, and a special supplement on Zodiac kanji (great for birthdays!).
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Over 200 illustrations provide a stunning display of attractive, highly stylized motifs adapted from authentic jewelry, textiles, pottery, masks, and other folk art sources. Includes handsome batiks of florals, clouds, and birds; language glyphs, Javanese shadow puppet with ornate filigree, lavishly embroidered skirt from Sumatra, and much more. Inexpensive royalty-free designs for artists and craftspeople and a fascinating glimpse of Indonesian culture for devotees of Far Eastern art. Read more

Nearly 400 finely detailed, royalty-free illustrations? 7 selected from authentic sources of Egyptian ornamental art, historical archives, and scholarly studies? 7 depict a host of exotic images: gods and pharaohs (all identified), plants and animals, mythical creatures, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and much more. For immediate use in a wide variety of commercial art, design, and decorative projects. Read more