The noble people who originated from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany are known as the Celts. They contributed significantly throughout their history to the arts, and their contributions are widely recognized, even in today’s design and handicrafts. Celtic art avoids straight lines, and is ornamental in nature. It only occasionally uses symmetry.

Historians state that Celtic art ‘avoids the imitation of nature or ideal of beauty central to the classical tradition’. Celtic art is seen to mirror complicated symbolism that borrows from a mixture of styles. In fact, it typically borrows and applies slightly altered design elements from a variety of cultures. This can be learned in the characteristic over-and-under interlacing which came about in the 6th century, although it was already used considerably by the Germanic people.