repetition and relation

Repetition and Relation

Islamic Art and Persepolis

TraditionsLike many different faiths and religions, Islam has a strong artistic and creative tradition.

•Sculpture•Calligraphy•Handicrafts (Rugs, cushions, etc.)•Paintings

Persian Art also has a strong tradition, particularly in painting.

Bottle, Greater Iran (Afghanistan), 9th - 10th century. Available at http://www.lacma.org/islamic_art/intro.htm.

Be sure to see…

Common depictions: Glorification of

God’s word Transformation of

everyday objects into things of “transcendent beauty”

Everyday life Lives of the rich

and/or powerful Tughra of Sultan Sulaiman the Magnificent, 16th century; Ottoman period (ca. 1280–1924). Attributed to Istanbul, Turkey (Available at: http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/islamic_art).

Common motifs

• Nature – plants, animals, water, or wind

•Calligraphy

•Geometric patterns

•Verses from sacred or popular texts

•People – depends on regional cultural trends

Mihrab, A.H. 755/ A.D. 1354–55. From Isfahan, Iran (Available at http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/islamic_art).

Islamic Art and Persepolis

Iranian frieze of a Phoenix Panel from “The Bicycle”

Compare/ContrastPanel from “The Water

Cell”“Bahram Gur with the

Dragon”

“Bahram Gur with the Dragon; Page from a Manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami.” Iran, Qazvin, circa 1560. Available at http://www.lacma.org/islamic_art/eia.htm

Islamic Tile Design

Color & Symbolism

For Muslim artists, colors symbolized cultural values, states of

mind or emotion, and elements.

Red = Fire

Yellow = Air

Green = Water(also, green is thought to be the prophet

Muhammad’s favorite color, and therefore a favorite among Muslims)

Blue = Earth

Zahhak Enthroned with the Two Daughters of Jamshid, Page from a Manuscript of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) Greater Iran, Bukhara, Circa 1615. Available at http://www.lacma.org/islamic_art/intro.htm

Project!

Using one of the tile patterns, create your own piece of a mosaic mural.

Think carefully about which tile you would like to use and what colors you will include.

As each person completes his or her tile, we will combine them to create a class mosaic.

These mosaic panels will be arranged to create an entryway for this classroom and our continuing study of Persepolis.