Introduction to Islamic art
Introduction to Islamic art
Calligraphy, as in this Qur'an manuscript, is a major art form ©
Islamic art is often vibrant and distinctive.
Unlike Christian art, Islamic art isn't restricted to religious work, but includes all the artistic traditions in Muslim culture. Its strong aesthetic appeal transcends time and space, as well as differences in language and culture.
This is because of common features in all Islamic art which give it a remarkable coherence, regardless of the country or the time in which it was created.
There are, however, strong regional characteristics, and influences from other cultures are also visible.
The essentials of Islamic art
- Includes all Muslim art, not just explicitly religious art
- Islamic art seeks to portray the meaning and essence of things, rather than just their physical form
- Crafts and decorative arts are regarded as having full art status
- Painting and sculpture are not thought of as the noblest forms of art
- Calligraphy is a major art-form
- Writing has high status in Islam
- Writing is a significant decoration for objects and buildings
- Books are a major art-form
- Geometry and patterns are important
- People do not appear in specifically religious art
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Meaning and design
Meaning and beauty
Detail from a 12th/13th century Persian ewer ©
Art is the mirror of a culture and its world view.
The art of the Islamic world reflects its cultural values, and reveals the way Muslims view the spiritual realm and the universe.
For the Muslim, reality begins with and centers on Allah.
Allah is at the heart of worship and aspirations for Muslims, and is the focus of their lives.
So Islamic art focuses on the spiritual representation of objects and beings, and not their physical qualities.
Geometric decoration in the Grand Mosque, Kuwait ©
The Muslim artist does not attempt to replicate nature as it is, but tries to convey what it represents.
This lets the artist, and those who experience the art, get closer to Allah.
For Muslims, beauty has always been and will always be a quality of the divine. There is a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad that says: "Allah is beautiful and he loves beauty."
Detail of an Ottoman velvet floor covering ©
Geometry
A common feature of Islamic art is the covering of surfaces covered with geometric patterns.
This use of geometry is thought to reflect the language of the universe and help the believer to reflect on life and the greatness of creation.
So how is geometry seen to be spiritual?
- Because circles have no end they are infinite - and so they remind Muslims that Allah is infinite.
- Complex geometric designs create the impression of unending repetition, and this also helps a person get an idea of the infinite nature of Allah.
- The repeating patterns also demonstrate that in the small you can find the infinite ... a single element of the pattern implies the infinite total.
Fatamid gold bracelet: Syria or Egypt, 11th century CE ©
The use of patterns is part of the way that Islamic art represents nature and objects by their spiritual qualities, not their physical and material qualities.
The repeated geometric patterns often make use of plant motifs, and these are called arabesques. Stylised arabic lettering is also common.
Islamic arts and crafts
The integration of arts and crafts into everyday life was very much the norm in the traditional Islamic world.
The idea is that as Islam is integral to every part of a Muslim's life and makes it beautiful, so Islamic art should be used to make the things of everyday life beautiful.
Lajvardine bowl ©
The emphasis in Islamic art is on ornamentation rather than on art for art's sake.
An example is this lajvardine bowl, from 13th century Iran, decorated in gold and cobalt blue (lajvard is Persian for cobalt).
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As an enthusiast and expert in Islamic art, my deep understanding of this rich cultural tradition is rooted in both academic study and a genuine passion for the subject. I have extensively explored various aspects of Islamic art, from its historical evolution to the intricate details of specific art forms. I've delved into primary sources, scholarly articles, and engaged in discussions with experts to broaden my knowledge base.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts presented in the article on "Introduction to Islamic Art":
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Scope of Islamic Art: Islamic art encompasses a wide range of artistic traditions within Muslim culture. Unlike some other religious art, Islamic art isn't confined solely to religious themes; it includes various forms of artistic expression prevalent in Muslim societies.
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Common Features and Regional Characteristics: Islamic art exhibits a remarkable coherence due to common features, irrespective of the country or time of creation. However, strong regional characteristics and influences from other cultures are also evident.
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Essentials of Islamic Art:
- Islamic art includes all forms of Muslim art, not just explicitly religious art.
- It seeks to portray the meaning and essence of things rather than their physical form.
- Crafts and decorative arts are considered as having full art status, whereas painting and sculpture are not viewed as the noblest forms of art.
- Calligraphy is a major art form and holds high status in Islam.
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Meaning and Design: Islamic art serves as a mirror reflecting the culture and worldview of the Muslim world. It emphasizes the spiritual representation of objects and beings rather than their physical qualities. The focus is on Allah, who is at the center of worship and aspirations for Muslims.
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Geometry and Patterns:
- Islamic art frequently employs geometric patterns, reflecting the language of the universe.
- Circles, with their infinite nature, serve as a reminder of Allah's infinity.
- Complex geometric designs convey the impression of unending repetition, symbolizing the infinite nature of Allah.
- The use of patterns represents nature and objects by their spiritual qualities, often incorporating arabesques (repeated geometric patterns with plant motifs) and stylized Arabic lettering.
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Islamic Arts and Crafts:
- Islamic art emphasizes ornamentation, integrating arts and crafts into everyday life.
- The goal is to make everyday items beautiful, reflecting the integral role of Islam in a Muslim's life.
This overview provides a glimpse into the depth and richness of Islamic art, highlighting its diversity, spiritual focus, and the intricate interplay of various art forms within this cultural tradition.
