Across the Islamic world, artistry is not only preserved—it continues to evolve. From the rhythmic tapping of stone carvers in Rajasthan to the delicate calligraphy of Istanbul’s masters, from Cairo’s woodworkers to the skilled embroiderers of Makkah, crafts that have shaped homes, mosques, and cities for centuries are still vibrant today.

Far from being relics of the past, these arts carry cultural memory, faith, and creativity into the 21st century. They are the living threads that bind history to the present, telling stories of devotion, innovation, and identity through pattern, light, and form.

In Praise of the Artisan takes readers inside this world of enduring creativity. Drawing on a landmark exhibition at Ithra in Saudi Arabia, which brought together 140 works spanning 1,600 years, Idries Trevathan reveals the extraordinary diversity of Islamic arts and crafts, from striking glasswork and intricate ceramics to architectural masterpieces and textiles woven with meaning.

But this is not just a celebration of the past. The book brings us into the workshops of contemporary artisans across the Muslim world, showing how traditional techniques continue to adapt to modern markets and challenges. Trevathan also challenges the outdated division between “fine art” and “craft,” offering fresh perspectives on the value of these traditions today.

In Praise of the Artisan reminds us that Islamic arts and crafts are living expressions of culture and imagination. They connect us to centuries of heritage while reflecting the creativity of the present. Through its essays and richly detailed photography, the book highlights how these practices endure—shaped by history, faith, and the hands of the artisans who keep them alive.

For anyone interested in Islamic art, cultural heritage, or the beauty of handmade objects, this book offers a rare and inspiring insight into a world where artistry is both timeless and ever-changing.

Idries Trevathan is the Curator of Islamic Art at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). Since 2018, he has helped establish Ithra as a leading destination for Islamic art, building its collection and curating major exhibitions.

His previous works include Colour, Light and Wonder in Islamic Art (Saqi Books, 2020), The Art of Orientation: An Exploration of the Mosque through Objects (Hirmer, 2020), and Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet (Hirmer, 2022).