In Praise of the Artisan: The Enduring Legacy of Islamic Cra…

Price: IDR 734,875.70
(as of Dec 31, 2025 05:12:56 UTC – Details)

In this pioneering work, Idries Trevathan takes readers on a journey through the world of Islamic arts and crafts, revealing how master artisans are keeping ancient traditions alive in the 21st century. Far from being relics of the past, these crafts continue to evolve, shaping cultural identity and artistic expression in bold and imaginative ways.

Drawing from a landmark exhibition at Ithra in Saudi Arabia-featuring 140 works spanning 1,600 years-Trevathan showcases the extraordinary diversity of Islamic art, from striking glasswork and intricate ceramics to grand architectural masterpieces. He brings readers inside the workshops of contemporary artisans across the Muslim world, from stone carvers in Rajasthan and embroiderers in Makkah to calligraphers in Istanbul and woodworkers in Cairo. These skilled craftspeople are not only preserving the past, but redefining the future.

Alongside contributors, Trevathan challenges the outdated distinction between ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’, offering new insights that reflect both historical perspectives and contemporary realities. By examining the intersections of traditional techniques with modern markets and challenges, he demonstrates the continued vitality of Islamic craftsmanship in a rapidly changing world.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Medina Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 19, 2026
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1916866182
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1916866188
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
Best Sellers Rank: #4,895,888 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #5,008 in Decorative Arts #8,050 in Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions #15,454 in Arts & Photography Criticism