History of Islamic Art
Culture blooms across time and space
Mihrab Prayer Cave, 1354-1355 AD, Iran, Metropolitan Museum of Art
The history of Islamic art is a glorious and colourful scroll that chronicles the prosperity of numerous dynasties and cultures, from the Umayyad to the Ottomans, from Spain to India, each of which has left its own unique artistic achievements.
A set of blue eye-patterned mosaic glass beads Islamic period 1000-1500 AD See the collection of the Museum of Art
Umayyad art (661-750): The nascent beauty of Islam
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was built by Abd al-Malik in 691 AD
Umayyad art is known for its religious and civil architecture, such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which exemplifies the distinctive style of early Islamic architecture.
The Great Mosque of Damascus was completed in 715 AD
Decorative motifs and frescoes with ancient Roman and Persian influences add to the mystery of the building.
The façade of the palace of the Mshata Tower in Jordan is now in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin in 740 AD
The Art of the Abbasids (750-1258): A Convergence of Eastern and Western Art
The Faculty of Religion at Mustanciriya University in Baghdad was founded in 1227 and is one of the few remaining Abbasid-era religious schools today
The Abbasids moved their capital from Damascus to Baghdad, creating a fusion of Eastern and Western art forms.
Decorative niches of the Abbasid Mosque of Aphrazia, Samarkand, Sogdian, 750-825 AD
The development of foundational architectural forms, such as the Uhaidir Desert Fortress south of Baghdad, laid the cornerstone of Islamic architecture.
Samaradar remains of a large circular cistern in the Baraka Palace, built by Mutawakil (in 847–861 AD).
Spanish Umayyad Art: The Beauty of Islam in the West
The mosaics and staggered arches of the Great Mosque of Córdoba were expanded by Hakam II after 962 AD
The Spanish Umayyad dynasty created a second center of Islamic culture in Córdoba, full of a fusion of classical Roman and Islamic architectural styles.
Leaf ridge marble capital, 10th century AD, Spain, Metropolitan Museum of Art
The flourishing of decorative arts, such as reliefs, circular metal sculptures, and ceramics, showcased the charm of the Spanish-Islamic style.
Bronze incense burner, 11th century AD, Spain, Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Art of Fátimid Egypt (909-1171): Noble Beauty
Al-Azhar Mosque, Egypt
Under the rule of the Fatimids, Egypt became the leader of Islamic culture in the West.
Fragments of Tiraz textiles from the late 9th to early 10th centuries AD Made in Yemen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The development of pottery decoration, including figurative painting and the advent of "infinite patterns", made Fatimid art unique.
Meniscus pendant depicted with two birds, 11th century AD, Egypt, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Seljuk art in Iran and Anatolia: the splendid beauty of the East
Isfahan Mosque in Iran
The rise of the Seljuk dynasty brought with it numerous stunning architectural and visual arts achievements.
Glazed carved ceramic jar with Siren and Sphinx 1215-1216 A.D. Kashan, Iran Metropolitan Museum of Art
The influence of Central Asian iconography and the unique decorative style make Seljuk art fascinating.
Bowl with Arabic inscription 10th century A.D. Iran, Nishapur Metropolitan Museum of Art
Mongolian Art (1220-1360): A Dialogue between the Far East and Western Asia
Orjetu Mausoleum in Sultaniyeh
While the Mongol army initially brought destruction, contact with the culture of the Far East enriched the Islamic art of Western Asia.
The Funeral of Isfandiar, taken from the Book of Kings, 1330 AD, Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Mausoleum of Orjettu and the birth of Islamic painting, miniatures, Persian calligraphy, and the emergence of new ceramic techniques such as "lajvardina" enriched the artistic style of this period.
Cover jar (Albarello) Second half of the 13th century to the 14th century A.D. lajvardina (Raj porcelain), Iran Metropolitan Museum of Art
Mamluk art in Syria and Egypt (1250-1517): the beauty of stone carving
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Mamluk architecture and stonework, such as the madrasah mausoleum at Sultan Hassan, show rich ornamentation and metalwork.
Enamel gilt vase, late 13th century AD, Cairo, Egypt, Metropolitan Museum of Art
The development of enamelled glass and metalwork made the Mamluk era a golden age of medieval Islamic culture in the Near East.
The chest of the timekeeper Mohammed al-Hamawi of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus 15th century AD Syria Metropolitan Museum of Art
Spanish art of Naferide (1232-1492): the splendid beauty of Granada
Alhambra
The Alhambra of the Nafried dynasty is the pinnacle of Islamic culture in Spain.
Alhambra
The development of decorative arts, such as glossy painting, gold brocade textiles, and embroidery, added to the magnificence of the Granada court.
Alhambra
Timurid period (1360-1500): Perfect beauty in the East
Bibi Hanum Mosque
The Timurid dynasty brought with it new styles of architecture, painting, and calligraphy, as well as the development of porcelain, faience, and new painting techniques.
The battlefield of Timur with the king of Egypt is preserved in the Palace of Gorstein
Herat created a series of beautifully painted manuscripts that demonstrate a meticulous style of painting.
Tim received envoys to Amir Hussein during the assault on Balkh (1370).
Ottoman art (1400-1900): the beauty of contrasts
Selimiye Mosque
The rise of the Ottoman Empire gave a new lease of life to Islamic art, with domed mosques and metalwork being represented, demonstrating the contrast between structural quality and abstraction.
Manuscript of the Qur'an, 1851-1852 AD, Turkey, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Blue and white ceramics, intricate calligraphy and hanging lamps add to the Ottoman style.
Porcelain plate with flowers and two birds, circa 1575-1590, made in Iznik, Turkey, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Safavid Art in Iran (1502-1736): Spiritual Beauty
Sheikh Lotfra Mosque in Isfahan, Iran
The Safavids created unique architectural and decorative designs in Isfahan, as well as new forms of painting and manuscript illustration.
Altar with dragon handle with inscription Early 16th century A.D. Herat in Afghanistan Metropolitan Museum of Art
Representative works include Iran's famous Camellia Palace and the magnificent Grand Mosque of Isfahan.
A stallion Habibarah Sava circa 1601-1606 Afghanistan Metropolitan Museum of Art
Mughal Islamic Art in India: The Beauty of Magnificent Gemstones
Taj mahal
The Mughal Empire unified Indo-Islamic culture, creating magnificent architecture, manuscript illustrations, and goldsmithing art.
A parrot in the form of a topcoat 17th-18th century AD Northern India Metropolitan Museum of Art
The famous Taj Mahal and Humayontel are masterpieces of Mughal architecture, and metalworking and gemstone carvings are also highlights of the period.
Album of Shah Jahan: "Shah Jahan stands on a terrace holding a pendant inlaid with his portrait" illustration 1627-1628 Metropolitan Museum of Art
Pencil case depicts Shah Ismail fighting the Uzbeks in early 19th century A.D. at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Iran
The glorious history of Islamic art has carried the wisdom and creativity of many cultures, showcasing the fusion of East and West, as well as the unique beauty of Islamic culture.
Golden Arm Chuan First half of the 11th century A.D. Iran Metropolitan Museum of Art
This cultural bloom that transcends time and space will continue to inspire and captivate art lovers, historians, and all those interested in the wonders of human civilization around the world.
String of red agate beads, 9th-12th century AD, Iran, Metropolitan Museum of Art
To learn more about the world's ancient culture and beadwork art, please pay attention to [Yujian Art Museum]
Bibliography:
visual-arts-cork.com/islamic-art.htm