Girih

An Islamic decorative system of geometric strapwork formed by straight lines that interlace into stars and regular polygons. The Persian word girih refers to the knot where the lines meet. Executed in stucco, wood or mosaic, this abstract repertoire dominates Eastern ornament, in contrast to the vegetal arabesques more common in the Maghreb. It structures the ceilings, doors and screens of heritage palaces, lending interiors mathematical rigour.