Islamic ArtBasic Principles

Art that is influenced by Islam is found in many places in the world. The influence may be cultural orthe influence may be religious

Islamic art is art that is influenced by Islam.

Four Main StylesGeometric

Calligraphic

Organic/ Figural

Medallions

Geometric Art

Geometric designs are based on mathematical shapes.

Geometric shapes seen in Islamic art.

Can you tell what shapes these tiles are based on?

These tiles were possible used in building a Mongol palace in northeastern Iran around the year 1270 A.D.They are in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Calligraphic Art

The Calligraphic style uses Arabic script as the focal point of a design.

This marble foundation stone is from Egypt. The swirling lines are actually Arabic script. Remnants of red and gold paint still adhere to the stone. It was carved in Egypt in the 15th century C.E.

Organic/ Figural Art

Organic and figural works are easily identified by their curving lines. You will see human and animal figures, as well as flowers and vines.

The swirling leaves and flowers on this peacock plate from Turkey almost hide the dainty blue bird in the center of the plate.

This beautiful plate lives in the Louvre Museum now, but was originally made in Isnik, Turkey between 1625 and 1650 A.D. Here

IAm!

Medallion Style ArtThe medallion style usually has a central image that is more important than other elements of the design.

It is easy to see the medallion in the center of this carpet from Iran.

This large carpet was woven in Iran around the year 1539 C.E. It is made of wool and silk, and is called the Ardabil carpet. It is 23.5 feet long and 13 feet wide! It is also in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Let’s Review!Can you identify this style?

What about this one?

…and this one?

Last chance!

HERE ARE THE ANSWERS:

This is theGEOMETRIC STYLE!

Can you see the bird?This is an example of the organic/figural style. Look at thegraceful curves!

This is a box in the

medallion style. It was carved from

ivory.

This science dish was designed in the calligraphic style. It says,“Science, its taste is bitter at the beginning but, at the end, sweeter than honey. Blessing.”