Introduction to Islamic Art

The term Islamic art not only describes the art created specifically in the service of the Muslim faith (for example, a mosque and its furnishings) but also characterizes the art and architecture historically produced in the lands ruled by Muslims, produced for Muslim patrons, or created by Muslim artists. The basic components of Islamic ornament are calligraphy, vegetal patterns, and geometric patterns.

Calligraphy is the most highly regarded and most fundamental element of Islamic art. Islamic calligraphy, or Arabic calligraphy, is the artistic practice of handwriting the Arabic language and alphabet. It is significant that the Qur’an, the book of God's revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, was transmitted in Arabic, and that inherent within the Arabic script is the potential for developing a variety of ornamental forms. While most works of art had legible inscriptions, not all Muslims would have been able to read them. One should always keep in mind, however, that calligraphy is principally a means to transmit a text, albeit in a decorative form.

Vegetal patterns are those consisting of plants, flowers, vines, blossoms, etc. Vegetal patterns are employed alone or in combination with the other major types of ornament and adorn a vast number of buildings, manuscripts, objects, and textiles, produced throughout the Islamic world.

Geometric patterns are popularly associated with Islamic art. These abstract designs not only adorn the surfaces of monumental Islamic architecture but also function as the major decorative element on a vast array of objects of all types. Consisting of, or generated from, such simple forms as the circle and the square, geometric patterns were combined, duplicated, interlaced, and arranged in intricate combinations, thus becoming one of the most distinguishing features of Islamic art.

Human and Animal Forms – Religious Islamic art typically does not depict living things. Figurative art (art featuring humans or animals) is widely rejected in Islam and depictions of Muhammad are considered especially offensive.