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Moorish Bookcases

MOORISH STYLE

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.

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Style: Moorish
Hand-Carved Arch Bookshelf Wooden Cabinet in Rustic Blue
Hand-Carved Arch Bookshelf Wooden Cabinet in Rustic Blue

Hand-Carved Arch Bookshelf Wooden Cabinet in Rustic Blue

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Hand-Carved Arch Bookshelf Wooden Cabinet in Rustic Blue antique distressed look. Painted blue arch bookshelf with distressed finish. Traditio...

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1970s Indian Vintage Moorish Bookcases

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Arts & Crafts Moorish Waterfall Bookcase Cabinet by Shapland & Petter
Arts & Crafts Moorish Waterfall Bookcase Cabinet by Shapland & Petter

Arts & Crafts Moorish Waterfall Bookcase Cabinet by Shapland & Petter

By Shapland & Petter

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An Arts & Crafts mahogany waterfall bookcase cabinet by Shapland & Petter of Barnstaple, featuring Moorish inspired mihrab shaped tall recesses, ribbed molding to the door and brass ...

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Late 19th Century English Antique Moorish Bookcases

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Brass

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Moorish bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Moorish bookcases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Moorish bookcases made in a specific country, there are Asia, England, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookcases, popular names associated with this style include and Shapland & Petter. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,672 and tops out at $1,850 while the average work can sell for $1,761.