gold inlay, colourful geometric and floral patterns, polychrome marble arabesque mosaics

Ingredients

gold, marble, polychrome pigments

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The decoration involves carved wooden ceilings ornamented with gold inlay (p. 150). Polychrome marble is used for arabesque mosaics on walls and floors (p. 150). The inscriptional program was often hand-drawn as epigraphic murals (p. 154).

Evidence

"The calligraphic repertoire was also intended to aesthetically enhance the appearance of the home’s ceremonial spaces, together with an array of other distinctive features... carved wooden ceilings elegantly ornamented in gold inlay and colourful geometric and floral patterns, sculpted stone corbelling, moulding, and lintels, polychrome marble arabesque mosaics on the walls and flooring. (p. 150)"

Remarks

In Cairene homes of the 17th and 18th centuries, calligraphy and pigmentation were used to sacralize domestic spaces and provide talismanic protection against 'the evil eye and other malevolent forces' (p. 150-151). These features reflect significant expenditures of wealth by elite householders (p. 150).