1. Islamic Art
Basic Principles

2. What is Islamic Art?

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

4. Geometric Calligraphic Organic/figural Medallions
4 MAIN STYLES:
Geometric
Calligraphic
Organic/figural
Medallions

5. Geometric designs are based on mathematical shapes.

6. 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.

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

8. This marble foundation stone from Egypt is decorated in the Calligraphic style.
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 A.D.

9. Organic and figural works are easily identified by their curving lines.

10. You will also see human and animal figures, as well as flowers and vines.

11. The swirling leaves and flowers on this peacock plate from Turkey almost hide the dainty blue bird in the center of the plate.
Here I
Am!
This beautiful plate lives in the Louvre Museum now, but was originally made in Isnik, Turkey between 1625 and 1650 A.D.

12. The Medallion style usually has a central image that is more important than other elements of the design.

13. This large carpet was woven in Iran around the year 1539 A. D
This large carpet was woven in Iran around the year 1539 A.D. 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.
It is easy to see the medallion in the center of this carpet from Iran.

14. Let’s Review! Can you identify this style?
This complicated geometric design is part of the floor at Qaitbey’s fort in Alexandria, Egypt.
Photo, Jerri Lejeune, 2004

15. What about this one?
Carved wooden panel, Egypt, end of the 9th century.
In the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

16. …and this one? Pyxis of Al-Mughira,Cordoba, Spain. 968 A.D.
In the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.
…and this one?

17. Last chance! Science dish, Transoxonia, Nishapur (Iran). 10th century.
In the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

18. Here are the answers:

19. This is the GEOMETRIC STYLE!

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

21. This is a box in the medallion style. It was carved from ivory.

22. This science dish was designed in the calligraphic style
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.”

23. That’s the end of the show
That’s the end of the show! Do you think you are ready to test your skill?