A Guide to Islamic Art

Sep 28
03:48

2019

Alex Hennry

Alex Hennry

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Islamic Art has not only influenced the Islamic culture but the whole world. The high demand and popularity of Islamic ivory and weapons is the biggest proof. Apart from that, Islamic ceramics, paintings and carvings also hold a special place.

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Islamic art is not a single term,A Guide to Islamic Art  Articles but it is an umbrella that covers a wide array of forms, styles, varieties and cultures. Eventually, they both have grown simultaneously; Islamic Art is totally different from Indian Art.

Different aspects of Islamic Art

In this article, we will discuss the different popular aspects of Islamic Art.

  1. Design

The distinct designs of Islamic art have contributed to its popularity. Their work includes intricate patterns and designs. There is no space for animals and people in their designs.

The Islamic design has directly imposed Islamic religion over the years. Leaves and flowers are a vital part of their designs. The same kind of intricate patterns is used in designing Islamic ivory.

One can easily notice Islamic designs on wooden carvings, stone reliefs, textiles and decorated books.   

      

  1. Ceramics

Ceramics are another important aspect of Islamic art. There was a time when Islamic artists used to create amazing ceramic glazes and styles. A few of the designs were inspired by Chinese porcelain as well. They also used to make beautiful pieces of pottery using ceramic tiles.  

These tiles were a major contribution to decorating the walls of religious places. The bright patterns and designs of ceramic tiles enhanced the beauty of the building.

 

  1. Carpets

The most practical form of Islamic art, carpets were a significant part of the ancient households. They were used as floor coverings, prayer mats, wall hangings and cushions.

The repeated geometric pattern designs were an essential part o every Arabic household. These designs were quite popular in European countries as well.

 

  1. Carvings

How can one forget about intricate carvings when it comes to Islamic design?  The arabesque designs and geometric patterns were incorporated in these carvings as well. Wood, ivory, stone or plaster were majorly used for creating beautiful designs.

These wonderfully carved items were used in decorating buildings, mosques, ceilings, doors and wall panels.

In earlier times, the Islamic holy book, the Quran was often secured in pieces of carved wood. 

 

  1. Paintings

 Miniature paintings were the most essential part of the Islamic world. There used to be illuminated scripts that include very small and fancy scripts.

Every picture of the illuminated script was different from one another and they contained pictures of animals and people. The scenes were depicted from the popular Arabic and Islamic stories.

 

  1. Calligraphy

 The art of decorative writing, Calligraphy is one of the most accepted parts of Islamic art. It was majorly used for writing religious scripts, verses or sayings from the Quran. It was a trend to combine calligraphy with geometrical patterns and arabesque designs.   

 

A few interesting facts about Islamic Art

  • In earlier times, the weapons were also decorated with patterns and calligraphy. Gems and ornaments were used to make the weapons look more beautiful.
  • Islamic artists also experimented with glass and metals.
  • Islamic art was equally expanded within the whole Islamic world. The popularity of the Islamic world increased with the expansion of the Islamic world.
  • The elaborative carvings were used to decorate the minbar in the mosques.