arabesque

arabeski An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns. This ornamental design is mainly used in Islamic Art and architecture.
(RQ:Chmbrs YngrSt)

The house of Ruthven was a small but ultra-modern limestone affair, between Madison and Fifth ;(nb..). As a matter of fact its narrow ornate façade presented not a single quiet space that the eyes might rest on after a tiring attempt to follow and codify the arabesques, foliations, and intricate vermiculations of what some disrespectfully dubbed as “ near-aissance.”