The geometric designs in islamic art are often built on combinations of repeated squares and circles, which may be overlapped and interlaced, to form intricate and complex patterns, including a wide variety of tessellations. These may consititue the entire decoration, may form a framework for floral or calligraphic embellishments, or may retreat into the background around other motifs. Islamic art is not at all restricted to religious art, but includes all the art of the rich and varied cultures of Islamic societies as well. This coffee cup was inspired by one of these designs in appreciation of this great art.