A new coffee table book has been published by Assouline, dedicated to the rich and unique culture of Saudi Arabia.
Entitled Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia, the 220-page tome shines a spotlight on the country's traditional skills and artisanal techniques.
Written by Princess Najla bint Ahmad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the book offers a journey through the cultural heritage of the kingdom, from the hand-painted houses of Asir to Al Sadu weaving, an art form that is so integral to the region it has recently been added to Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Princess Najla is a scholar of anthropology and development studies, and is currently conducting doctoral research at the University of Cambridge. Born in Riyadh, she is well placed to document and capture the diverse handicrafts from the large nation.
With the help of beautiful photography, it travels from the historic city of Jeddah on the Red Sea to the forested region of Al Baha, exploring the traditions behind work such as carved plaster panels to intricate wooden screens fashioned entirely by hand.
It highlights the diverse cultures across the kingdom’s regions, from its most traditional roots through to the modern interpretations that are seen today.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia
