Islamic art

What is a frieze? Where is this frieze located? Why was there animal figures allowed on the frieze?

A frieze is a type of art that reflected the belief that the dead could continue to enjoy their favorite activities. This frieze is a detailed of facade on the Palace at Mshatta. The animal figures were allowed because the frieze is not in contact with the Mosque itself

Define the following terms and how each relates to Islamic art: - aniconism - façade - Qur'an

Aniconism: The avoidance of figural imagery. The Islamic religion does not believe that Buddha, their god figure, should be honored with figural imagery, but rather he should be honored with words. Façade: One side of the exterior of a building. The façades of the mosques are exquisitely decorated and filled with examples of Islamic calligraphy and arabesques. Qur'an: The central religious text of Islam. The Qur'an is written entirely in calligraphy.

Look closely at the two examples of Islamic art above. What type of Islamic art are both? Name each piece and its owner

Both are examples of Islamic portable art. #1: It is entitled, Banner of Las Navas de Tolosa. This banner was possessed, through theft, by the Christian King Ferdinand III. #2: It doesn't have a titled, but it is a brass pen box that belonged to Khurasan in the 13th century.

Define calligraphy and its role in Islamic culture and art.

Calligraphy is a visible, written expression of the spiritual world providing a link between the languages of the Islamic religion and nations. Calligraphy was on the surface of most structures in Islamic nations, since they did not use any type of figures. It is used throughout the Qur'an, which was written on parchment paper or vellum. Muslims hold the job of calligrapher in high esteem.

Describe the main attributes of Islamic art.

Islamic art employed Aniconism, the avoidance of figural imagery. It used complex, geometric designs. It was common to see scrolling vines, which are also known as arabesques. Islamic art was always covered in surface decoration, including the use of line, color, and pattern.

What are Islamic portable arts? Describe their importance and attributes

Islamic portable arts were examples of Islamic art that could be moved easily, either because of size or type. They were highly sought items were considered a luxury and brought status to their patrons both from Islam and Europe. They were often composed of silk and gold, and employed calligraphy on the panels. They could also include scrolls, interlacing designs, and figures enliven calligraphic inscriptions.

Look closely at the three pictures below. Which culture is each picture from? Compare and contrast the three different pictures.

Picture 1: Egyptian Picture 2: Greek Picture 3: Islamic Picture 1 and 2 both show people and animals who are exhibiting respect and honor to the gods of each culture. Picture 3, from the Islamic culture, has no creatures or animals, because they did not believe that was a proper way to honor their god, Buddha. They employed aniconism instead. There is also bright colors used in Picture 3. The three pictures are all made out of different materials and are different forms of art.

Name the mosque pictured above. Describe the artistic elements and purpose of this mosque.

This is the Madrasa-Mausoleum Mosque. Firstly, it was a charitable complex where the poor could go, which displayed piety, personal wealth, and status. Secondly, the arches were made of interlocking pieces of marble. Thirdly, the walls were decorated with colorful, marble paneling. Lastly, when this mosque was built, money was no object.

The two pictures above are taken of the same mosque, but from different areas. What is the title of this mosque? Describe the attributes of this structure

This is the Mosque of Isfahan. Throughout the mosque, Notice the beautiful, bright colors, geometric designs. On top of the dome, you can see examples of arabesques. Below the dome, on the cylinder piece, there is Islamic writing, probably religious. The facade (image on the right) also includes examples of arabesques and Islamic writing, or calligraphy. It is made of brilliant blue glazed tiles that wrap around the entire courtyard.

Name the mosque pictured above. Explain its history and artistic elements.

This is the Prayer Hall in Cordoba. It was built during the Umayyad dynasty, which was centered in Cordoba, Spain. The Umayyad dynasty was well-known to be patrons of the arts. Its marble columns were recycled from other sites. The builders used double-flying arches, made of white stone and red brick.