The Ottoman Touch: Traditional Decorative Arts and Crafts

Beautifully and richly illustrated, this introduction and handbook to the decorative art and crafts of the Ottoman civilization is based upon the many articles by Kusoglu, who is an artist, educator, and researcher in his own right. The 28 topics or chapters range from a description of artistic techniques, such as niello, engraving, embossing, filigree, and beading, to personal and everyday objects that utilize these methods, including door knockers, belts and rings, various talismans and body ornaments, prayer beads, and even Ottoman visiting cards. The colorful and intriguing illustrations provide outstanding examples of the various techniques and objects discussed. This work, which includes items and terminology that might be unfamiliar to Western artists, will make readers feel as though they have just gone through an exhibition of these magnificent artifacts.