islamic art form function content and context

FORM: - Every single space covered with decoration Extensive use of rhombus geometric forms and calligraphy -Most of the interior arches are false arches, with no structure; they are there only to decorate. Built on a hill overlooking the city of Granada Walls are covered with beautiful and extremely rich ceramics and plasterwork. -Walls include intricately carved wooden frames "muqarnas" hold up ceiling in Hall of Kings mocarabe vault can be seen in Hall of the two sisters CONTEXT: - Alhambra is an abbreviation of Qal'at al-Hamra meaning red fort. Built by the Nasrid Dynasty (1232-1492) the last Muslims to rule in Spain. Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr (aka Muhammad I) founded the Nasrid Dynasty in 1237 Palace of the Lions built by Muhammed V Exterior-Interior relationship Important transition seamlessly from shaded patios and covered walkways from well-lit interior spaces to courtyards and gardens Ornamental elements reflection of water intricately carved stucco decoration. Beautiful, detailed, and careful attention to detail - CONTENT: - Contains palaces, gardens, water pools, fountains, and courtyards -Three Palaces: Comares Palace- arched grill allows in light; walls covered with inlaid tile in geometric patterns; Salón de Comares, hall of the ambassadors -the Palace of the Lions: separate building that was connected later; arched covered patio encircles the marble fountain at the center; contained residential halls with star motifs - the Partal Palace: known as the portico because of its portico in the center of an arcade and at the edge of a pool -GeneralifE from the Arabic, Jannat al-arifa means paradise, garden vegetable and ornamental elements contribute to the paradise of the garden - East-west axis -people would visit the sultan in the throne room, but can't get too close FUNCTION: - 3 Purposes Citadel, Barracks (alcazaba Residence palace of the Nasrid sultans Medina (the city) Connected by pathways and gardens, all of which could be blocked off - protect themselves from the christians

Alhambra. granada, spain. nasrid dynasty. 1354-1391 CE. whitewashed adobe stucco, wood, tile, paint, and gilding.

FORM: - Bahram Gur Fights the Karg, is a book illumination depicting one of the many stories from the Shanhama, The Persian Book of Kings. Though this image was painted in the 14th century by artists in the Mongol court in Persia (present day Iran) - The Shanama incorporates many older stories once told orally, chronicling the history of persia before the arrival of Islam and celebrating the Persian past and its ancient heroes. The Shanama is still taught in Iranian schools today and is considered Iran's national epic. -16x11'' - calligraphy diminished spacial recession indicated by overlapping planes atmospheric perspective seen in light bluish background similar to illuminated manuscript Areas of flat color Script is created to seem continuous; very flowing language CONTEXT: - Part of a Persian manuscript entitled "Shahnama," which translates to Book of Kings Bahram Gur was an ancient Iranian king of the Sassanian dynasty The Karg was a mythical beast that was sometimes depicted as a unicorn, or a wolf, or a rhinoceros; here it is a combination of the three According to legend, Bahram Gur fought the Karg during his travels to India Calligraphy is not always the same; all calligraphers have very distinct styles CONTENT: - This book, the Shanama recounts the lives of kings and heroes. This one, possibly commissioned by a powerful vizier, is a product of the Il-Khanid civilization. It reveals the cosmopolitanism of Tabriz, reflecting influences from as far away as Europe and China. Here, the celebrated king Bahram Gur is depicted slaying a horned wolf with violent detail. For this Mongolian court, the violence suggests the necessity of force to wipe out evil. -Lavish books conveyed prestige but also functioned to provide for kings and nobles a model for moral and courageous behavior. - Representation of the ideal king Shows mix of Chinese and European influences -Bahram Gur wears a crown and a golden halo, which shows influence by Western Christian depictions of Jesus -Bahram Gur's garment seems to be made of European fabric Chinese landscape conventions are visible in the background - On a trip to India, according to the Shahnama, the king of India, a ruler named Shangal recognized Bahram Gur's abilities and sought to help him in ridding the countryside of the fierce Karg (a rhinoceros, some as a wolf, and here as a ferocious horned wolf! ) They find the beast, and the Bahram Gur used a bow to weaken the Karg with arrows, and cut his head off to present to Shangal. FUNCTION: - Recounts the tale of Bahram Gur's battle with the Karg using illustration and textual description - Conveyed prestige but also functions to provide for kings and nobles a model for moral and courageous behavior.

Bahram Gur Fights the Krag, folio from the Great Il-Khanid Shahnama. islamic; persian, Il Khanid. c. 1330- 1340 CE. ink and opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper.

FORM: - A brass basin from Egypt inlaid with gold and silver and signed SIX TIMES! By the Mamluk artist Muhammad Ibn al-Zayn. EXPENSIVE MATERIALS. CONTEXT: - Of importance here is the extraordinary metalwork produced by a Mamluk artist (who signed the piece six times). The Mamluks were proud of their skills in metalworking, and, as evidenced by the imagery, their skills in horsemanship and battle. They claim to be the only ones able to fend off the invading Mongols. (Depictions of sword-bearing Mongolians on the basin may be a reference to this.) We do not know who this basin was created for but we can be sure that it was for someone important. The Mamluks did make objects for Christians as well as Muslims but the imagery here suggests that this was not the case. - people used this bowl to wash or purify themselves before the ceremonies - later was used by royal families for baptisms -adapted from its original use - people of the time valued the inlaying of metals because it was very difficult to do - also used very expensive materials to show the wealth CONTENT: - The central band depicts Mamluk hunters and Mongol armies. Running animals along the friezes above and bowl The association with the French King is a myth. Though it was taken to France and used in the baptismal rights of newborns of the French royal family. - shows people hunting alternating with battle scenes along the side; Mamluk hunters and mongol enemies - shows the conflict between the two groups - bottom of bowl decorated with fish, eels, crabs, frogs, and crocodiles - all can be found in water FUNCTION: - Originally used for washing hands at official ceremonies - later used for french royal family baptisms

Basin (baptisere de St. Louis). Muhhammad ibn al-Zain. c. 1320-1340 CE. brass inlaid with gold and silver.

FORM: - The dome of this structure is supported by squinches- Squinches - a triangular - like wedge that fits in the top corners of a square space -Often used in early Islamic and Byzantine Architecture, but tended to have a blocky, Chunky appearance - The structure is comprised of 2 ambulatories and an octagonal exterior wall and encloses the wall. It is built of stone masonry, wooden roof, and is decorated with glazed ceramic tile, mosaics, and gilt aluminum and bronze dome. -The mosaics do not depict any representations of the human or animal form -The mosaics are decorating the shrine with Arabic script and vegetal patterns - unlike the dome of the hagia sophia, the dome of this structure is supported by squinches. - the exterior of the dome of the rock displays not only geometric designs but also calligraphy verses from the Qur'an. - the dome of the rock was constructed on the site believed by muslims to be the location where Muhammad ascended to heaven on journey to Mecca (miraj). - one interpretation as to why the dome of the rock was built is that Abd al-Malik built the structure to compete with the Kaaba in Mecca; another interpretation, however, is that the shrine structure was built to compete with the near by Church of Holy Sepulcher - the dome of the rock is similar to the kaaba in mecca in that both complexes were designed to accommodate the practice of tawaf. CONTEXT: - The Muslims captured Jerusalem from the Byzantines in 638. The first great Islamic building in Jerusalem was erected in 638. The Umayyad caliph erected this monumental shrine as an architectural tribute to the triumph of Islam. It marked the coming of the new religion to the city that is sacred to both Jews and Christians. The site acquired significance as the reputed location of Adam's grave and the spot where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac. Muslims believe the location where Muhammad began his miraculous journey to heaven (Miraj) and then in the same night returned to his home in Mecca. - Islamic religious architecture is closely related to Muslim prayer, an obligation laid down in the Koran for all Muslims. IN Islam, worshiping can be a private act and requires neither prescribed ceremony or special locale. Only the qibla - the direction towards Mecca that Muslims face while praying is important. Worship also became a communal act when the first Muslim community established a special ritual for iT. CONTENT: - Unlike the Hagia Sophia, The dome of this structure is supported by squincheS; Squinches - a triangular - like wedge that fits in the top corners of a square space. Often used in early Islamic and Byzantine Architecture, but tended to have a blocky, Chunky appearance - The Dome of the Rock is in the late Antique tradition. It most closely resembles the octagonal San Vitale in Ravenna. Architecture and mosaics were patterned by nearby Byzantine churches and palaces - Called the Foundation stone by the Jews - From it, the world was created ; foundation stone is right under the dome. -The main feature of Muhammad's house was a large, square court with rows of palm trunks supporting thatched roofs. The southern side, which faced Mecca was wider. After prayer, the imam or leader of collective worship, stood on a stepped pulpit or minbar set up in front of the southern qibla wall and preached the sermon. -THESE FEATURES BECAME STANDARD IN THE ISLAMIC HOUSE OF WORSHIP The mosque, where the faithful gather for 5 daily prayers, was idealy large enough to accommodate the community's entire population. FUNCTION: - For many centuries the building was thought to commemorate Muhammad's night journey, but the inscriptions do not mention anything of the sort, so this seems unlikely. -Another explanation was that Abd al-Malik built it to replace the Kaaba in Mecca, which had been seized by a rival claimant to the caliphate and was in enemy hands, but the inscriptions on the building say nothing about that either. -The koranic inscriptions themselves, which are really the only contemporary clue we have for explaining the building's function, deal with the nature of Islam and refute the tenets of Christianity, they suggest that the building was meant to advertise the presence of Islam in a city already full of important monuments to Judaism and Christianity. -Building the structure on the site of Adam's burial, Abraham's sacrifice, and Solomon's temple, and copying the dome form of the Holy Sepulchre that Constantine had erected over Christ's burial place in Golgatha, also suggest and effort to symbolize the role of Islam as a worthy successor to these earlier revealed religions.

dome of the rock. jerusalem. islamic, Umayyad. 691-692 CE, with multiple renovations. stone masonry and wooden roof decorated with glazed ceramic tile, mosaics, and gilt aluminum and bronze dome.

FORM: - This is a two-page spread of a Qur'an manuscript. The main text is written in brown ink. Arabic, the language of the divine word of Islam, is read from right to left. - The Folio is part of the Qur'an which is the sacred text of Islam -Two page spread Qur'an manuscript -The Qur'an is written on parchment in blank ink with a broad-nibbed reed pen -Kufic is the type of calligraphy used in this manuscript -The Qur'an is read from left to right -The text of the sura is divided into verses by triangles made up of 5 gold circles which is located at the end of each verse - The title of each sura is written in gold ink, which is surrounded by a rectangle filled with a golden vine. This allows readers to quickly locate the beginning of each sura CONTEXT: - Huge part of the daily lives of people of Islamic faith and is still is to this day -Very high value and prosperity in the religion -Along with the flourishing of the Islamic faith there were advancements happening in the intellectual community -It was a luxury to have such a fine inscripted object -The scribes who illustrated these books were valued in their community for their stylistic abilities - Some say the owner of this book could have been from a royal lineagE CONTENT: - Sura - chapters The text of each sura is further divided into verses by triangles made up of 5 gold circles located at the end of each verse. - Several consonants share the same basic letter form and these are distinguished from each other by lines or dots placed above or below the letter. Short vowels such as a, u, and I are not normally written in Arabic, but to avoid misreadings it became standard to include vowels in the Qur'an. In this manuscript, the short vowels are marked with red circles positioned above, next to or below the consonants. - Because figural imagery was considered inappropriate for the ornamentation of sacred objects, artists relied on vegetal and geometric motifs when they decorated mosques and sacred manuscripts. Spaces between characters were determined by scribes who had some freedom in composing the page. For readers, it could be difficult to figure out which letters should be grouped together to form words. This would slow down readers, so anyone who was reading aloud may have already memorized the text, and used the lavish manuscript as a kind of mnemonic device. FUNCTION: - This book was used for sacred rituals and recitations -The Qur'an which means "recitation" suggests that the manuscripts were secondary importance to oral tradition -Heavily decorated for ceremonial purposes -The Qu'ran is the central part of Islam and the Islamic faith revolves around this book -ROADMAP FOR READERS

folio from a Qur'an. arab, north africa, or near east. abbasid. c. 8th to ninth century CE. ink, color, and gold on parchment.

FORM: - One of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran - the 11th century shows the emergence of a new form - the 4 iwan mosque. An iwan is a vaulted space that opens on one side to a courtyard. The iwan developed in pre-Islamic Iran where it was used in monumental and imperial architecture. - The layout is arranged around an open courtyard. However, in the 4 iwan mosque, each wall of the courtyard has a monumental vaulted hall, the iwan. The qibla iwan is the the largest and most ornately decorated. The mosque's 2 minarets flank the lavish qibla iwan. CONTEXT: - Congregational mosques are usually expanded In conjunction with the growth and needs Of the Muslim community. -The Great Mosque of Isfahan in Iran is unique Linking the four iwans at the center is a large Courtyard open to the air which provides Tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the City. - The Iwan had been a hallmark of Persian architecture Since Pre-Islamic times when it was used in Palaces to lead from the courtyard to the place where The ruler sat. Only now was it introduced in mosques. Suitable to Iranian climate which is often hot. The qibla iwan, mostly used for prayer opens to the North and remains shaded and cool all day. The west, North and east iwans can be used for teaching, study Or rest. - The mosque is located in Isfahan, the third most populous region in Iran and the capital of the eponymous province. The mosque has urbanized over time to accommodate population increases -Some of the ruling groups of Isfahan include Il-Khanid, Timurid, Safavid, and Qajar -The mosque visually embodies the visual tastes and political dynasties of the Persian empire -Original plan comes from 11th century when the Seljuk Turks established Isfahan as their capital -Malik Shah I (ruled 1072-1092) built the four-iwan design Nizam al-Mulk (commissioned the dome in 1086) and Taj al-Mulk, two rulers of Isfahan, fought for legacy by trying to create the best dome above the iwans. Their domes are opposite each other. CONTENT: - The layout is arranged around an open courtyard. However, in the 4 iwan mosque, each wall of the courtyard has a monumental vaulted hall, the iwan. The qibla iwan is the the largest and most ornately decorated. The mosque's 2 miranets flank the lavish qibla iwan. - Another distinctive aspect of the mosque is its urban integration. Positioned at the center of the old city, the mosque shares walls with other buildings abutting its perimeter. Due to its immense size and numerous entrances, it formed a pedestrian hub, connecting the network of paths crisscrossing the city. -The mosque facilitated the public mobility and commercial activity transcending its principal function as a space for prayer alone - Some of the masterworks of Arabic calligraphy are not in manuscripts but on walls. A 14th century mihrab from the Madrasa Imami exemplifies the aesthetic union between the Islamic calligrapher's art and abstract ornamentation. The pointed arch framing the mihrab niche bears an inscription form the Koran and supple cursive styles make up the repertoire of Islamic calligraphy. -Every piece has to be cut to fit its specific place in the mihrab The artist transformed the architectural surface into a textile surface - An important feature of both ordinary Mosques and congregational mosques Is the Mihrab (semicircular niche) set into the Qibla wall. -The niche originally may have honored the place where the Prophet stood in his House in Medina, when he led communal Worship. -Many mosques have miranets Towers used to call the faithful to worship - Congregational mosques are usually expanded In conjunction with the growth and needs Of the Muslim community. FUNCTION: - To bring people to prayer away from busy streets. -Unite the community (umma) -The mosque's location in the heart of the city makes it a center for gathering and transportation and is therefore much more than a mere space for prayer -Commercial activity

great Mosque (masjid-e jameh). isfahan, iran. islamic, persian: Seljuk, Il-Khanid, timurid and Safavid dynasties. c . 700 CE; additions and restorations in the 14th, 18th, and 20th centuries CE. stone, brick, wood, plaster, and glazed ceramic tile.

FORM: - The Great Mosque became one of the largest Mosques in the Islamic West -This mosque typifies Islamic architecture in its conformity to basic principles of mosque design and incorporation of distinct regional forms. - Colorful masonry, intricate surface patterns, hose-shoe shaped arches. (influence of Visigoths)? Abstract patterns, marble and mosaics . - The interior of the mosque features the forest of columns that has come to define the hypostyle type. -The hypostyle prayer hall, has 36 piers and 514 columns topped by a unique system of double-tiered arches that carried a timber roof. The 2-story system was the builder's response to the need to raise the roof to an acceptable height using short columns that had been employed in earlier structures. The lower arches are horse-shoe shaped, a form perhaps of Visigoth origin. CONTEXT: -In Spain, the Arabas had overthrown the Christian kingdom of the Visigoths. At Cordoba, Abd al-Rahman I founded a new Spanish Muslim dynasty. The Arabs had overthrown the Christian Visigoths. The Great Mosque begun in 784, at Cordoba became one of the largest mosques in the western Islamic world. -The Great Mosque at Cordoba typifies Islamic architecture both in its conformity to the basic principles of mosque design and in its incorporation of distinctive regional forms. In 1236, Christians converted the shrine into a church. - Abd al-Rahman I (fled to Spain) and founded a Spanish Muslim dynasty at Cordoba, which became the center of a brilliant court culture - The Mosque was erected on the site of a Visigothic church, marking the triumph of Islam in Spain, as before in Jerusalem. - A prime example of Islamic experimentation with highly decorative arches. The muslim builders created rich and varied abstract patterns and further enhance the effect of complex arches by covering the walls with marble and mosaic. - The building was expanded over 200 years (even after becoming a mosque) Began as a roman temple Temple was converted to a church by Visigoths - who seized cordoba in 572 CE Umayyad conquerors converted church to a mosque Completely rebuilt by the descendants of the exiled Umayyads - One of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus in the late 8th century CONTENT: - The interior of the mosque features the forest of columns that has come to define the hypostyle type. -This was used in different mosques to great effect. -One of the most famous examples is the Great Mosque of Cordoba which uses bi-color, 2-tiered arches that emphasize the dizzying optical effect of the hypostyle hall - The hypostyle prayer hall, has 36 piers and 514 columns topped by a unique system of double-tiered arches that carried a timber roof. The 2-story system was the builder's response to the need to raise the roof to an acceptable height using short columns that had been employed in earlier structures. The lower arches are horse-shoe shaped, a form perhaps of Visigoth origin. - In the West, the horseshoe arch quickly became closely associated with Muslim architecture. Visually they billow out and contribute to the light & airy effect of the mosque's interior. - The mosque's extraordinary maqsura - the area reserved for the caliph and connected to his palace by a corridor in the qibla wall. -A prime example of Islamic experimentation with highly decorative arches. The muslim builders created rich and varied abstract patterns and further enhance the effect of complex arches by covering the walls with marble and mosaic. FUNCTION: - To demonstrate the presence & permanence of the transplanted Umayyads in Cordoba built this mosque in cordoba on the site of a christian church [built by the Visigoths] -This appropriation of a christian site made a statement about the existence of Islam in the region & the power of the new rulers Place of worship -Followers pray towards the mihrab (which faces mecca) -Represents a fusion of cultures & religions Exemplifies Islamic design of tesserae & variety of color on mosaics

great mosque. cordoba, Spain. Umayyad. c. 785-786 CE. stone masonry.

FORM: -CENTRALLY PLANNED - The combination of dome and square had appealing geometric clarity and became the nucleus of all Ottoman architecture. - A mosque with a massive dome set off by 4 slender pencil-shaped minarets, (each more than 200 feet high and among the tallest ever constructed) The dome's height surpasses that of Hagia Sophia's dome. - The plan of the main hall is a fusion of an octagon with the dome-covered square. The octagon formed by 8 massive dome supports is pierced by 4 half-dome covered corners of the square. A vast, yet unified interior space. CONTEXT: - In the Mosque of Selim II he sought to surpass the greatest achievements of Byzantine architecture. The Edirne dome is higher than Hagia Sophia's -Muslims considered this Mosque proof they had outshone Christian emperors - The Ottoman emperors were lavish patrons of architecture and the builders developed a new type of mosque - the core of which was a dome-covered square prayer hall. The combination of dome and square had appealing geometric clarity and became the nucleus of all Ottoman architecture. After the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople, they established their architectural code. Hagia Sophia impressed the new lords of Constantinople. They converted the Byzantine church into a mosque with minarets. But the longitudinal orientation of the Hagia Sophia's interior never satisfied the builders and they moved towards the centrally-planned moSque. - Sinan perfected the Ottoman architectural style. Working within the architectural tradition. Sinan designed a mosque for Selim II where he maintained his palace CONTENT: - The combination of dome and square had appealing geometric clarity and became the nucleus of all Ottoman architecture. - A mosque with a massive dome set off by 4 slender pencil-shaped miranets, (each more than 200 feet high and among the tallest ever constructed) The dome's height surpasses that of Hagia Sophia's dome. The organization of the Edirne mosque's interior space reveals Sinan's genius The mihrab is recessed into an apselike alcove deep enough to permit window illumination from 3 sides. The brilliantly colored tile panels of its lower walls sparkle (In all, almost 300 windows in the Edirne mosque flood to the interior with sunlight. The plan of the main hall is a fusion of an octagon with the dome-covered square. The octagon formed by 8 massive dome supports is pierced by 4 half-dome covered corners of the square. A vast, yet unified interior space. Sinan proudly proclaimed this his masterpiece FUNCTION: - An example of Ottoman Empire's wealth and greatness, along with its power and vastness (along a popular tourist passing through place, showed tourists of its dominance) Mosque— displays differences between Islam and Christianity The mosque represents Islam's triumph. It also was an attempt to surpass the Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Basilica in Istanbul.

mosque of selim II. edirne, turkey. sinan (architect). 1568-1575 CE. brick and stone.

FORM: - Pyxis: cylindrical boxes usually featured motifs symbolic of royal power and privilege including hunting scenes and musical instruments. - The Pyxis is 16cm tall and 11cm wide, and made of carved ivory from an elephant tusk There is inlaid jade and several other precisions stones Ivory was durable, smooth, elegant, and easily carved This made it highly desirable for the creation of pyxides (the plural of pyxis) Highly portable, they were often given as gifts. CONTEXT: - A Pyxis is a cylindrical contained for holding cosmetics This was a coming of age gift for al Mughira, the 18-year-old daughter of the caliph of the Umayyad dynasty Best surviving example of the tradition of carved ivory in Islamic Spain Spain was home to some of the most impressive Islamic art and architecture Ivory was part of the mediterranean art tradition, so this work is an example of local artistic tradition blended with Islamic themes This comes from the royal workshop of Madinat al-Zahra, which was one of the wealthiest cities in Umayyad-ruled Spain CONTENT: - The pyxis is decorated with four eight-lobed medallions These medallions are surrounded by figures and animals, including falconers, wrestlers, griffons, peacocks, birds, goats and animals to be hunted Each medallion has princely iconography Although Islamic art is commonly viewed as an-iconic, human and animal figures play an important role in iconography - This sculptural work is know as a pyxis, a cylindrical box that was used for cosmetics. - the imagery of this pyxis contrasts strongly with that of traditional religious art created of islamic cultures in that it depicts living beings - images on this container of men picking dates and gathering eggs from the nests of falcons have been interpreted as allusions to the lost lands of the east. - according to the Kufic inscription around the top of the pyxis, this work was created for al-Mughira. FUNCTION: - In Al-Andalus, ivory objects, including Pyxides, were bestowed upon members of the royal family Specifically sons, wives and daughters on important or memorable occasions, such as a marriage, birth or coming of age Later they were given as Caliphal gifts to important allies. - The practical function was to carry perfumes and other cosmetics

pyxis of al-mughira. umayyad. c. 968 CE. Ivory.

FORM: - Carpets are among the most fundamental of Islamic arts Portable, made of silk and wools, carpets were traded and sold across Islamic lands and beyond its boundaries to Europe and China - The knot-count of a carpet impacts the value today. High knot count allows for the inclusion of intricate design and pattern. -Combination of ornamentation: calligraphy, geometric pattern and figural representation that adorn a vast number of buildings, manuscripts objects and textiles produced throughout the Islamic world. CONTEXT: - Come from a funerary mosque 35 by 18 feet consists of 25 million knots Design of a central sunburts medallion representing the inside of a dome, surrounded by pendants No human or animal figures appear, as benefits a carpet intended for a mosque For traditional tribes of Arabia, Persia and Anatolia, the carpet was a center of life used for sheltering from sand, floor covering, hung on walls for warmth and considered furniture of Paradise mentioned numerous times in the Qur'an. The carpet is counted as one of the riches the believer will be rewarded in the afterlife. - Ardabil was home to the shrine of Sufi leader Safi al-Din Ardabil who died in 1334. (Sufism is an Islamic mysticism and he trained his followers in mystic practices) After his death, his followers grew, and established Shi'a Islam as the official religion. The dynasty founded is known as the Safavids. This carpet was made for the shrine of Safi al-Din Ardabil - today it dominates the main Islamic Art Gallery in London. The knot-count of a carpet impacts the value today. High knot count allows for the inclusion of intricate design and pattern. CONTENT: - Combination of ornamentation: calligraphy, geometric pattern and figural representation that adorn a vast number of buildings, manuscripts objects and textiles produced throughout the Islamic world. Vegetal patterns were drawn from existing traditions in Byzantine culture. -In the Medeival period, highly abstract and fully developed Islamic style emerged, featuring the most original pattern often known as ARABESQUE - "In Arab fashion" With the exception of the garden and its usual reference to paradise, vegetal motifs and patterns in Islamic arts are largely devoid of SYMBOLIC MEANING. FUNCTION: - This carpet was made for the shrine of Safi al-Din Ardabil - Fundamental examples of Islamic art— made of silk and wools, carpets were traded and sold across Islamic lands and into China and Europe - Iranian carpets were highly prized— carpets decorated mosques, shrines, and homes, also could to be hung on walls to preserve warmth - Islamic Art: very intricately designed and large amounts of time were put into designing the carpets Made for prayer in funerary shrine

the ardabil carpet. maqsud of kashan. 1539-1540 CE. silk and wool.

FORM: - The Court of Gayumars - comes from the Illuminated manuscript of the Shahnama book of kings - an epic poem describing the history of kingship in Persia (what is now Iran). - Because of its blending of painting styles - from both Tabiz (Iran)and Herat (Afghanistan) its pigments, fine details and complex imagery stands out in the history of the artistic production of central Asia. -The lively treatment and bright colors of landscape and surfaces inspired by the Turkman school, coexist with the more sober palette and balanced compositional layout of the Herat (Timurid style) school, whose impact is particularly evident in some of the later paintings. -The painting is attributed to Sultan-Muhammad, the greatest painter of the Safavid period and largely responsible for bringing about this synthesis of styles. ​ -This folio depicts the first king of Iran, Gayumars, who ruled from a mountaintop when humans dressed themselves in leopard skins. The court encircles the ruler and his heirs. CONTEXT: - According to tradition, Gayumars (first king of Iran) ruled from a mountaintop when humans first learned to cook food and clothe themselves in leopard skin. Gayumars presides over his court from his mountain throne. He is surrounded by light amid a golden sky. Wild beasts became instantly tame in his presence. - The Shahnama was written by Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi around 1,000 and is a masterful example of Persian poetry. The epic chronicles kings and heroes who pre-date the introduction of Islam to Persia as well as human experiences of love, suffering and death. The epic has been copied countless times with elaborate decorations - One of the most important works of Iranian painting from one of the greatest manuscripts - The Court of Kayumars (Book of Kings) This manuscript took 20 years or more to complete The entire manuscript consists of 759 illustrated folios and 258 miniatures all produced over the span of several years. - It is often assumed that images that include human and animal figures are forbidden in Islam. Recent scholarship highlights that throughout the history of Islam, there were periods in which at specific moments, the representation of human or animal figures were tolerated There was a long figural tradition in Persia - even after the introduction of Islam, that is perhaps evident in this book illustration. Also, the neighboring Ottoman Empire, to the west were Sunni, and in some ways more Orthodox, and the Safavids subscribed to the shi'i sect of Islam - Persianate artists under the Safavids regularly incorporated visual motifs and techniques derived from Chinese sources. CONTENT: - In this folio (page), we can see some parallels between the content of the calligraphic text and the painting itself. Seated in a cross-legged position, as if levitating within this richly vegetal and mountainous landscape, King Gayumars rises above his courtiers, who are gathered around at the base of the painting. According to legend, King Gayumars was the first king of Persia, and he ruled at a time when people clothed themselves exclusively in leopard pelts, as both the text and the represented subjects' speckled garments indicate. Perched on cliffs beside the King are his son, Siyamak (left, standing), and grandson Hushang (right, seated).11 Onlookers can be seen to surreptitiously peer out from the scraggly, blossoming branches onto King Gayumars from the upper left and right. The miniature's spatial composition is organized on a vertical axis with the mountain behind the king in the distance, and the garden below in the foreground. Nevertheless, there are multiple points of perspective, and perhaps even multiple moments in time—rendering a scene dense with details meant to absorb and enchant the viewer. FUNCTION: - Depicting a secular/mythological scene, rather than religious scene Figures and animals ok because it is not religious - Describes the history of kingship in persia. chronicles heroes who predate into of islam.

the court of Gayumars, folio from Shah Tahmasp's shahnama. sultan Muhammad. c. 1522-1525 CE. ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper.

FORM: - Mecca is the holiest place in the Islamic world Omphalos - the center or naval of the world Jerusalem is the holiest place in the Jewish and Christian world. This cube-shaped building was a sacred sanctuary before the time of the prophet. - The Kaaba has been modified extensively throughout history. The area around the kaaba was expanded in order to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims by the second caliph, Umar, who ruled 634-44 CE. CONTEXT: - In Islam, Muslims pray 5 times a day, and after 624 CE, these prayers were directed towards Mecca and the Kaaba. This direction, or qibla in Arabic, is marked in all mosques and enables the faithful to know which direction they should pray The shrine became the focal point for muslim worship And pilgrimage. Muslims take a hajj (pilgrimage) to mecca and circumambulate 7 times - tawaf They must enter the sacred space in a state of ihram - "pure state" - The Kaaba was a sanctuary in pre-Islamic times. Muslims believe that Abraham and his son, Ismail, constructed the Kaaba. Tradition holds that it was originally a simple unroofed rectangular structure. Muhammad was driven out of Mecca in 620 CE to Medina. Upon his return, the shrine became the focal point for Muslim worship and pilgrimage. The Pre-Islamic Kaaba housed the Black stone and statues of Pagan gods. Muhammad reportedly cleansed the Kaaba of idols upon his victorious return to Mecca - returning the shrine to Monotheism. The black stone is believed to have been given to Abraham by the Angel Gabriel and revered by Muslims. The Kaaba has been modified extensively throughout history. The area around the kaaba was expanded in order to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims by the second caliph, Umar, who ruled 634-44 CE. During the civil war between caliph Abd al-Malik and Ibn Zubayr, the Kaaba was set on fire in 683 CE. Reportedly the black stone broke into 3 pieces and it was reassembled with silver. The Kaaba was rebuilt in wood and stone. - All Muslims aspire to take the hajj or pilgrimage to the Ka'ab once in their lives if they are able Upon arriving, pilgrims gather around the Ka'ab and walk around it in hopes to kiss and touch the black stone embedded in the eastern corner - tawaf CONTENT: - Today the mosque covers almost 40 acres - This direction is marked by all mosques so faithful know in which direction to pray Today the kaaba is a cubical structure unlike most other religious structures. The door of the Kaaba is solid gold. The kiswa large cloth that covers the Kaaba - The black stone is believed to have been given to Abraham by the angel Gabriel and is revered by Muslims FUNCTION: - a sacred sanctuary before the time of the prophet - The shrine became the focal point for muslim worship And pilgrimage. Muslims take a hajj (pilgrimage) to mecca and circumambulate 7 times - tawaf They must enter the sacred space in a state of ihram - "pure state" -

the kaaba. mecca, saudi arabia. islamic. pre-islamic monument; rededicated by Muhammad in 631-632 CE; multiple renovations. granite masnry, covered with silk curtain and calligraphy in gold and silver-wrapped thread.