'Crafts of the Kingdom': New book offers visual journey through the unique heritage of Saudi Arabia

Penned by Princess Najla bint Ahmad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the tome brings to life the rich cultural history of the kingdom

Traditional hand-painted woodwork is featured in the book 'Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia' by Assouline. Courtesy Assouline

Traditional Saudi Arabian beadwork and plaiting feature in the tome. Courtesy Assouline

The quilting work of Saudi Arabia is explored in the new book by Assouline. Courtesy Assouline

Hand-carved plaster work typical of the houses in the historical Al Balad district of Jeddah. Courtesy Assouline

'Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia' has been written by Princess Najla bint Ahmad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Courtesy Assouline

At 220 pages, the book sheds light on the rich culture of Saudi Arabia. Courtesy Assouline

The new book by Assouline is a celebration of artisan skills, including woodwork, in Saudi Arabia. Courtesy Assouline

A photograph of a man carrying a traditional janbiya dagger. Courtesy Assouline

The book also looks at the unique painted houses of Asir, in Saudi Arabia. Courtesy Assouline

The front cover of 'Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia' displays traditional Al Sadu weaving motifs. Courtesy Assouline

The back cover of 'Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia' displays traditional Al Sadu weaving motifs. Courtesy Assouline

Pages from the new book 'Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia', by Assouline. Courtesy Assouline

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