THE CREATION OF ARABESQUE

BACKGROUND INFO

• Form of artistic decoration
• Based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling
• Geometric and calligraphic patterns/writing
• The design has a special meaning to it
• It wants to portray meaning and essence of things

SETTING

• Arabesque was found in two different phases
• Islamic from the 9th century onwards and European
• It was the development of the Byzantine
• Adapted by Muslim artisans by 1000 AD
• When inherited, had little change to the early form of art

HOW THEY CAME TO MAKE THE CREATION

• There were 2 religious restrictions
• 1: Muhammad warned hi Ummah not to imitate god
• They would imitate by making images of living things
• So instead they made ornamental designs
• No people/animals were made in the design

CONT.

• 2: discouraged costly materials
• Instead they used
• Brass, clay, wood
• With these two restrictions it led to the art
• Arabesque

IMPACT ON TRADITIONAL THOUGHT PROCESS

• Many people grew fond of the art
• They enjoyed that verses of the Quran were being used as decoration
• It differed from the usual shapes drawn
• Now many mosques were using arabesque

IMPACT ON OTHER CULTURES

• Arabesque used many different techniques in their art to convey ideas
• They used shapes in art was taken from Islamic Arabesque
• Still used today in other cultures
• Arabesque was used in European tapestries and in their architecture
• Used as patterns on building walls

LARGER GLOBAL IMPACT

• Mentioned in the Italian language
• Spread to Europe
• Used on ornaments
• Used as art given to honor the royal

HOW IT IS BEING USED TODAY

• Mosques
• Rugs
• Churches
• Decoration