After the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, Islamic Spain became a cultural mix of influences that shaped both private homes and religious spaces. Moorish design was the name given to this style, which evolved through the 15th century with vibrant tile work, horseshoe arches and lavish ornamentation, most visible at sites such as Granada’s Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Moorish furniture was often similarly ornate, and featured pieces inlaid with wood, ivory and bone.
When European designers began studying Moorish art and architecture in the early 19th century, it led to a Moorish Revival. Appropriating the style’s decorative flourishes and architectural elements, it promoted a romantic view of Islamic design. Travelers could bring home a memento of what they witnessed in the Middle East, a trend that aligned with a fad for themed interiors. Men’s smoking rooms arranged with ottomans, divans and settees and inlaid tables were especially popular, as were cafés where coffee was served amid bead curtains and colorful floor mats. (Handwoven rugs are a centerpiece of Moorish interiors.) Octagonal rooms with domed ceilings were created for wealthy homes, frequently with furnishings like pipe stands, filigree plasterwork and arched doorways. The horseshoe arch is an iconic attribute of Moorish architecture that, in addition to Spain, can be found in Sicily, Morocco and elsewhere.
Several late 19th to early 20th-century movements featured Moorish touches. The American and English Aesthetic Movement, for example, borrowed liberally from global decorating styles, as seen in furniture designed by Lockwood de Forest, a New York-born artist who mixed Eastern and Western forms. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau also references the elegant use of geometry in Moorish design, with Milanese Art Nouveau furniture designer Carlo Bugatti drawing inspiration from the style. The Arts and Crafts movement, which prized expressive yet simple design, incorporated Moorish influences; hand-painted furniture and tile work created by William De Morgan, a British designer and potter who made furnishings for the likes of Morris & Co., were informed by techniques from Moorish Spain.
Find a collection of Moorish lighting, decorative objects, folk art and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Spanish Splendor Great Palaces Castles and Country Homes Hardcover Book Rizzoli
By Rizoli International Publications
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Spanish Splendor: Great Palaces, Castles, and Country Homes hardcover book. y Mato, Juan Jose Junquera (text by); Schezen, Roberto (photographs by); y Morenes, Enrique Ruspoli (intro...
Paper
AL-ANDALUS. El Islam en España by Juan Vernet, Martin Martinez, Collectible Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
AL-ANDALUS. El Islam en España, multilingual Spanish and English text. VERNET, Juan, MARTINEZ MARTIN, Leonor. Published by Lunwerg Barcelona, 1992 This beautifully illustrated vol...
Paper
The Villas and Riads of Morocco Hardcover Book, Moorish Style, 2005
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Villas and Riads of Morocco – First Edition Hardcover, 2005 A richly illustrated exploration of Moroccan residential architecture, The Villas and Riads of Morocco offers an inti...
Paper
Living in Morocco by Angelika Taschen: Moorish Style Hardcover, 2003
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Living in Morocco Vivre au Maroc Hardcover Book – June 5, 2003. By Stoeltie, Barbara and Rene Stoeltie. Even if it is enough to cross the Mediterranean to get there, even if it is lo...
Paper
Moroccan Interiors Taschen Book by Lisa Lovatt-Smith Hardcover
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan Interiors Taschen Book by Lisa Lovatt-Smith. A temptation to dream This book explores contemporary interiors in the sun-soaked land that stretches from the Sahara to the Me...
Paper
Living in Morocco: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh by Lisl Dennis
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Living in Morocco: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh Revised Edition Thames & Hudson, London A visually sumptuous exploration of Moroccan architecture and interior design, Li...
Paper
The American Discovery of Ancient Egypt, Softcover, 1995
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The American Discovery of Ancient Egypt 1995. Essays, edited by Nancy Thomas. A survey of the achievements of American Egyptology featuring such enterpris...
Paper
L'ABCdaire de la calligraphie arabe (ABCDAIRES) (French Edition) Paperback Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
L'ABCdaire de la calligraphie arabe (ABCDAIRES) (French Edition) Paperback – May 16, 2002 French Edition by Massoudy Hassan (Author) The basics of Arabic calligraphy paperback - may 21, 2002 by Hassan Massoudy...
Paper
Mediterranean Design Book by Mary Whitesides 1st Edition, 2006
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mediterranean Design hardcover – August 17, 2006. by Mary Whitesides (Author). Title: Mediterranean Design Publisher: brand: Gibbs Smith Publication date: 2006 Binding: Hardcover Great hardcover coffee table book. Mediterranean Design reveals the vibrant color, outdoor-living emphasis, and diverse cultural influences that have created this unique style. Defined by an eclectic mix of natural elements: sunlight bouncing across textured walls, rooms arranged around porch-lined courtyards, terra-cotta tile roofs covering wood-beam ceilings, arched passages and porticos, vibrantly colored interiors, and courtyards and fountains that take advantage of the temperate climate. Mediterranean Design brings home the romantic and worldly appeal of a style that finds its heritage in the diverse lands of Morocco, Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, and Croatia. Mediterranean Design highlights the unique aspects of the style, such as spatial orientation of the rooms is defining and private vestibules and porches rather than hallways connecting functional spaces, bedrooms as suites rather than lonely rooms, bathrooms as spas rather than generic or merely functional rooms. Details such as arches, pillars, high ceilings, fountains, gardens, pergolas, lime-washed walls, stone façades...
Paper
The Land and People of Morocco by William Spencer, 1973
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The land and people of Morocco (Portraits of the nations series) Hardcover – January 1, 1973 by William Spencer (Author) Introduces the land, histo...
Paper
Architecture de L'islam de L'atlantique au Gange by Henri Stierlin 1979 Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Architecture de l'Islam. De l'Atlantique au Gange Stierlin, Henri. Architecture of Islam. Publisher : Office du Livre; First Edition: January 1, 1979. Language : French Hardcover : 288 pages This book shows the architectural history and characteristics. of each region of the Islamic world from a cultural context. It is full of beautiful color photographs taken by the author and newly made drawings. The most important point is that the author, Stierlin, clarifies the feature of Islamic architecture...
Paper
Turkish Miniature Paintings and Manuscripts from the Collection of Edwin Binney
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Turkish Miniature Paintings and Manuscripts from the Collection of Edwin Binney, Binney, Edwin (1973) Examples of the Turkish pictorial a...
Paper
Topkapi Palace by Ilhan Aksit Le Palais de Topkapi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Le Palais de Topkapi, Topkapi Palace. Published 1993 by Aksit Kultur Turizm Sanat Ajans First Edition January 1993) Edition Language French. By the 16th cent...
Paper
$254 / item
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 0.89 in
Vintage Style Ski Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, Descent in Powder
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
'DESCENT IN POWDER', a modern framed and mounted black and white photograph after an original 1930's skiing photograph. The frame is black with burgundy undercoat, the glazing is clarity+ premium synthetic glass. Black & white alpine photos are the perfect addition to any home or ski lodge, so please do check out our other ski photos...
Paper, Wood
Horst: Interiors by Barbara Plumb (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
HORST - Interiors is a book which features 52 of the most stunning Interior designs taken by famed fashion photographer Horst P. Horst during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The images of these splendid houses, apartments and holiday homes - including a memorable portrait of each owner - provides a wonderful record of the changing styles of that period. Horst was invited into homes which many photographers would never have had access to, these included The Duke & Duchess of Windsor, Truman Capote, Jacqueline Onassis...
Paper
Vintage Che Guevara Collectible
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Che Guevara Historio de America: Late 1960s-early 1970s Historio de America publication featuring a brilliant Che Guevara cover that is well-suited for framing. Full publication. minor stain on upper left; otherwise good to very good condition for its age. Binding is stiff and well-intact. Medium: Newspaper style printed publication; 50+ pages. Dimensions: 10 x 10 inches. Related categories Che Guevara photograph. Cuban revolution...
Paper
Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings XL Book by TASCHEN
By TASCHEN, Frida Kahlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We access the intimacy of Frida’s affections and passions through a selection of drawings, pages from her personal diary, letters, and an extensive illustrated biography featuring photos of Frida, Diego, and the Casa Azul, Frida’s home and the center of her universe. This large-format XXL book allows readers to admire Frida Kahlo’s paintings...
Fabric, Paper
$150 / item
H 14.1 in W 10.2 in D 1.8 in
Sebastião Salgado's Amazônia: A Photography Book in Hardcover
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hardcover Photography book, 14.1 x 10.2 in., 9.21 lb, 528 pages. For six years Sebastião Salgado traveled the Brazilian Amazon and photographed th...
Paper
$170
H 10.25 in W 8 in D 1 in
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT THE NATURAL HOUSE First Edition 1954 HORIZON Hardcover Book
Located in San Diego, CA
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT THE NATURAL HOUSE First Edition 1954 HORIZON Hardcover book nice original condition beautiful patina and pictures.
Paper
Defining Style The Book of Interior Design
Located in New York, NY
Discover 25 of the most recognizable design styles through 150 residential interiors from the world’s leading designers From Coastal to Contemporary, Maximal to Mediterranean, Tailored to Textured, this inspirational lookbook guides beginners and enthusiasts alike through the most timeless interior design styles of the last century. Learn to identify and understand each style like an expert through introductory texts describing key tenets and featured real-world examples by today’s best contemporary designers, such as Studio Shamshiri, Laura Gonzalez, and Vincenzo De Cotiis...
Paper
$200 / item
H 15.6 in W 11.4 in D 3 in
Frank Frazetta XXL Book by TASCHEN: Fantastic Worlds in Fabric & Paper
By TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All Hail the King of Fantasy Art. Frank Frazetta finally gets the big beautiful book he deserves. Frank Frazetta has reigned as the undisputed lord of...
Fabric, Paper
$254 / item
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 0.89 in
Vintage Style Ski Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, 'SCHUSS' Murren
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
'SCHUSS' Murren, Switzerland, a framed and mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photograph. The frame is a hand colored reeded wooden black frame...
Paper
$254 / item
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 0.89 in
Vintage Style Ski Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, Nose Dive
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
'NOSE DIVE', a modern framed and mounted black and white photograph after an original 1930's skiing photograph. The frame is black with a burgundy undercoat, the glazing is clarity+ ...
Paper, Wood
$254 / item
H 21.66 in W 15.75 in D 0.89 in
Vintage Style Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, The Lift
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage style Photography, framed Alpine Ski Photograph, the lift. 'THE LIFT', a modern framed and mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photogra...
Paper, Wood
$65
H 1 in W 10 in D 12 in
Salvador Dalí Art Book by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret, Taschen Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Salvador Dalí 1904-1989 by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret With dust cover. Publisher: Taschen; First English-language Edition (November 1, 1998) Language: English Hardcov...
Paper
La Alhambra By Isidore Severin-Justin Baron de Taylor
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
La Alhambra by Isidore Severin-Justin baron de Taylor. La Alhambra. The work for which Baron Taylor will always be remembered is his monumental publication...
Paper
La Alhambra By Isidore Severin-Justin Baron de Taylor
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
La Alhambra by Isidore Severin-Justin baron de Taylor. La Alhambra. The work for which Baron Taylor will always be remembered is his monumental publication...
Paper
Sold
H 11 in W 8.5 in D 1 in
Important Orientalist Paintings: Collection of Coral Petroleum - 1985 Sotheby's
Located in Rochester, NY
Important Orientalist Paintings from the Collection of Coral Petroleum Inc. - May 22, 1985 Sotheby's, New York. Hardcover cloth book w/ gilt lettering and decor...
Paper
Garden of Morocco, Spain and Portugal Hardcover Book French Ed.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Garden of Morocco, Spain and Portugal Hardcover Book French Ed.Jardins du Maroc, d'Espagne et du Portugal : Un art de vivre partagé.French Edition by Mohammed El Faïz (Author), Manu...
Paper
Moroccan Interiors Tashen Book by Lisa Lovatt-Smith
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan Interiors Tashen Book by Lisa Lovatt-Smith. A temptation to dream This book explores contemporary interiors in the sun-soaked land that stretches from the Sahara to the Mediterranean: Morocco. The diversity is breathtaking: the rural pis? architecture of the south is a far cry from the Hispano-Mooresque ornamental beauty of the imperial cities. Moroccan Interiors are as endlessly varied as the country itself, from the restored palaces in the medina of Marrakesh (where aesthetes of the international set now live). Exploring contemporary interiors in the sun-soaked African nation of Morocco, this breathtaking volume takes readers into the restored palaces of Marrakesh as well as humble fishermen's homes at Sisi Moussa d'Aglou. The colorful palette of this country and the light there themselves suffuse these very different homes with a vitality that is as distinctive to modern Morocco as it is a reflection of contemporary trends in decor worldwide. The author: Lisa Lovatt-Smith was born in 1967 in Barcelona of British parents. She has since lived in London, Madrid and Milan. At eighteen she began a meteoric career at the various international editions of Vogue. She has since decided to concentrate on writing in Paris, her chosen home, where she lives with her daughter About the Author: Lisa Lovatt-Smith has lived in London, Madrid, and Milan and is now based in Paris. She is also the author of Taschen's Provence Interiors...
Paper
Hassan II Trophy of Golf Hardcover Book Casablanca, Morocco, 1993
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hassan II Trophy of Golf Audisio, Silvia Published by LAK International, Casablanca, Morocco 1993. Hardcover book with dust jacket. Title: Hassan II Trophy...
Paper
Islamic Art, Orientalist Paintings Auction Catalog Tajan, 1993
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Tajan 1993 Islamic Art, Orientalist Paintings Auction Catalog Orientalist painting and Islamic Art, Text in French. Paperback softcover Islamic Art bo...
Paper
Sold
H 11 in W 8.75 in D 0.75 in
Pierre Berge & Yves Saint Laurent, Une Passion Marocaine 2015 Auction Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Artcurial, Paris October 2015 Artcurial Auction Catalog. Pierre Bergé & Yves Saint Laurent, Une Passion Marocaine. A Moroccan Passion, Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent Collection - October 31, 2015 Text in French and English. Published by Artcurial, 2015 Published on the occasion of the Artcurial auction of Yves-Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé's personal collection, entitled 'Yves Saint Laurent et le Maroc'. Consisting of nearly 180 objects of Moroccan art, including, embroidery, weaving, ceramics, jewellery, carpets and architectural pieces, Yves-Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé's collection exhibited in the Museum of the Jardin Majorelle is showcased in this wonderful auction catalogue. Comprising of works accumulated throughout their lives, each auction listing is accompanied by the estimated price, relevant information and color photographs. Saint Laurent's collection illustrates a love for the Moroccan lifestyle, from the couple's arrival at La Mamounia...
Paper
Living in Morocco Vivre au Maroc Hardcover Book – June 5, 2003
By TASCHEN
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Living in Morocco Vivre au Maroc Hardcover Book – June 5, 2003. By Stoeltie, Barbara and Rene Stoeltie. Even if it is enough to cross the Mediterranean to get there, even if it is lo...
Paper
Sold
H 13 in W 9.75 in D 0.75 in L 13 in
The Moroccan Pottery La Poterie Marocaine by André Boukobza French Edition Hardc
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Moroccan Pottery, french edition. Hardcover large book 1st edition 1974. La Poterie Marocaine André Boukobza. 1974, 160 pages André Boukobza Photos with Artifacts. The work of...
Paper
The Arts of Persia Ronald W. Ferrier Hardcover Book 1st Ed. 1989
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Arts of Persia Ronald W. Ferrier Hardcover Book. Published by Yale University Press, 1989 344 pages, Hardcover First published September 10, 1989 Persian art, with its detail...
Paper
The Book of the Bath Hardcover 1998 by Francoise De Bonneville
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Book of the Bath Hardcover – October 15, 1998 by Francoise De Bonneville (Author) published by Rizzoli. 1st edition, 1st printing, 1998. For over 2000 years, in the Far East as in the West, bathing and showering have been more than practical necessities. Bathing has become a rite and a refuge, and this is the first book to lavish due attention on the history of the bath across the centuries and around the world. Although the room for bathing as we know it has existed for only a century, public baths wee institution in ancient cultures; and, of course, beginning n the Renaissance, bathing was not just hygienic, but a sensual and sybaritic event. In The Book of the Bath, abundant illustrations- from Byzantine frescoes and Orientalist paintings of harems...
Paper