MOROCCO: TASTIR PATTERNS

As the Month of Morocco draws to an end, I wanted to post a few remaining favorites. These circular geometric patterns were everywhere in Morocco: mosques, souks, riads and hotels. They covered tables, fountains, floors and walls.

I've gotten the chance to read Maryam's new book and learn more about the significance behind the designs. According to Maryam, "Patterns can be happily mixed and matched. Tastir (geometric) and tawriq (flora) patterns emerged prominently in morocco. The arabesque (repeating geometric patterns) symbolizes eternity and said to prompt meditation."

ESSAOUIRA: MODERN MATISSE

Although I have already posted about this colorful Essaouira artist, I still keep coming back to his bold, 8' tall paintings! I love the textured brush strokes and saturated hues. What a great style to capture the essenc of this colorful beach town!

IMAGES D'ORIENT: ZAFAF

The Zafaf collection has the boldest colors and most modern designs. The interlaced Mediterranean pavements keep a minimum of shapes and inspired one of the most refined lines of Images d’Orient. Arabesque, pavement, mosaic and moucharabieh embrace Zafaf, eternal marriage of old and new. 

Photos courtesy of Images D'Orient. Available for Purchase here.

IMAGES D'ORIENT: MOUCHARABIEH

A few more patterned products from Images D'Orient: The moucharabieh is a screen generally built out of small wooden elements turned and assembled according to a complex geometrical scheme. It allowed the viewer to observe without being seen, thus its nickname, Jealousy Windows. This meticulous technique was used on windows, balconies, ceilings and vaults as well as on furniture.

Photos courtesy of Images D'Orient. Available for Purchase here.

IMAGES D'ORIENT: ARABESQUE

The collections of Images D'orient are organized by color and by inspiration. According to their website, "The floor of Mediterranean residences of the 1930s and 1940s were covered with ceramic tiles of various patterns. These terrazo were unrivaled for their broad repertory of colors, arabesques and graphics. Juxtaposed, they created a gigantic picture, thus their nickname "Sejjadeh" or carpet." 

Photos courtesy of Images D'Orient. Available for Purchase here.