The Islamic World

Chapter 18

Islam

• Islam is one of the three major world religions– Based on the teachings of the prophet

Mohammed

• Traditional Muslim belief stated that the human form should not be represented in art as it would be competing with Allah (God)

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Pitcher (Spouted Ewer). Kashan. Early 13th Century.Height 6-4/5".

Pitcher

• Ceramic arts are highly valued in Islam

• Potters in Iraq perfected the luster technique

• This technique gave the finished piece a metallic sheen and was often reserved for nobles and ruler as it was difficult to control

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Text of the Koran. North Africa or Spain. 11th Century.

Text of the Koran

• Calligraphy is another highly valued type of art

• It was valued as a way to enhance the beauty of the word of God

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Court of the Lions, Alhambra. Granada, Spain. 1309–1354.

Court of the Lions, Alhambra

• The royal palace and fort of the Muslim rulers in Granada, Spain

• Elaborate decoration of the stucco and glazed tile …

• Just above the the columns is a band of calligraphy the says, “There is no victor except God”

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Mihrab. Iran. c. 1354. 14th Century.Height: 11'3" (342.9 cm).

Mihrab

• Persian (Iran)• Decorating architecture with decorated

tiles was an important step in ceramic art

• This Mihrab was taken from its original location where it would have pointed the way to Mecca for the worshippers

• Extremely intricate design work

Taj Mahal

• Taj Mahal - “Crown of the Palace”• It is a tomb for the ruler’s (Shah Jahan) wife

who died in childbirth• Made from the best and most expensive

materials• Tall, light walls are punctured with pointed

arches• Bulb shaped dome sometimes called onion

domes

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Taj Mahal. Agra, India. 1632–1648.