Islamic Art

(Paperback)

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Description

This history of Islamic art surveys the magnificent achievement of Muslim arists and craftsmen over 1200 years, from the 7th to the 19th centuries AD. Architecture, manuscripts, ceramics and glass, metalwork, textiles and carpets, with their distinctive subtlety of outline and sumptuous decoration, formed the basis of a cultural heritage of extraordinary richness. And yet under different local conditions - in Arabia or Turkey, central Asia or Spain, North Africa, India or Iran - and in the hands of Arabs, Seljuks, Mamluks, Mongols, Timurid and Ottoman Turks, Safavids or Mughals, this shared heritage produced a great diversity of styles, which the author examines region by region. Also considered is the specific character of Islamic art and its influence in the West, as well as modern developments. The book contains a useful glossary of Arabic, Turkish and Persian terms.

Reviews

""Islamic Art" is altogether an astounding achievement: interestingly informative, accurate, balanced in coverage and judgment. It is a wonderful book for students and museum-goers who wish to get acquainted with this tradition." --Oleg Grabar, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University

"A sumptuously illustrated, accurate, balanced and critically aware historical survey of Islamic art and architecture from the beginnings until modern times, this work...provides clear, informative treatments of architecture, pottery and tilework, textiles and carpets, painting, glass, jade, metal work, calligraphy, and the arts of the book." --Frederick M. Denny, "Religious Studies Review"

"The intense blend of history and art insights makes for a volume which is scholarly and weighty, yet spellbinding. Discussions of dynasty changes, political influences on the development of Islam and Islamic art style, and transition points which fostered new Islamic art traditions accompany excellent, bright color illustrations of architectural and artistic Islamic heritage." --"Midwest Book Review"

"This may well be the first book on this subject that is sensible, accessible, authoritative, thoughtfully organized--and does not require a table to support it. "Islamic Art" is also illustrated with remarkable finesse." --David Nalle, "American-Arab Affairs"