What is the history of Islamic art?

Islamic art was influenced by Greek, Roman, early Christian, and Byzantine art styles, as well as the Sassanian art of pre-Islamic Persia. Central Asian styles were brought in with various nomadic incursions; and Chinese influences had a formative effect on Islamic painting, pottery, and textiles.

What does the term Islamic art refer to?

The term Islamic art not only describes the art created specifically in the service of the Muslim faith (for example, a mosque and its furnishings) but also characterizes the art and architecture historically produced in the lands ruled by Muslims, produced for Muslim patrons, or created by Muslim artists.

How did Islam influence art and culture?

How did the Islamic world influence Western art? It has influenced the production of a wide range of works of art including ceramics, metalwork, photography, to name a few, but also extends more widely to include theatre, architecture and music.

Why is Islamic art unique?

Islamic Art directly reflects its cultural values but also shows the unique Muslim view of life and all spiritual things. For Muslims, God is the center (Allah). Therefore Islamic art developed a unique character of geometric, arabesque, floral, and calligraphic patterns which reflect on their aspects of balance.

What is special about Islamic art?

Islamic art is often vibrant and distinctive. Unlike Christian art, Islamic art isn’t restricted to religious work, but includes all the artistic traditions in Muslim culture. Its strong aesthetic appeal transcends time and space, as well as differences in language and culture.

What are popular features in Islamic art?

The basic elements of Islamic art are: calligraphy, vegetal (plant-based) patterns, geometric patterns, and figurative representation. Calligraphy is often considered the highest form of Islamic art.