Islamic patterns or geometry is one of the three distinct disciplines of Islamic art the others being calligraphy and Islimi.

The eight pointed star or Khatam is used widely in Islamic architecture.  In simple terms it's construction comprises two congruent squares, interposed, one of which is rotated through 45deg.  The khatam can be progressively broken down in order to find the classical elements  of 8-fold symmetry.  Several patterns can emerge through the extensions of the parallels thereby forming a network of lines, at the intersection of which several shapes or designs emerge.

Mount Proportions, Ruled Lines and Wash Panels and Low Oxygen Sealing

The artwork is a fine antique watercolour of an Indian lady holding a lyre and looking towards a peacock in a tree.  I purchased the watercolour in an antique shop in Chang Mai, Thailand.  I decide that by using this artwork would be an excellent way to describe mount proportions, ruled lines and wash panels and finally, using a low oxygen method of sealing the mount package.