Glossary
Ancient Greek Culture
The civilization of ancient Greece, whose artistic and philosophical traditions had a lasting influence on various cultures, including some found along the Silk Road.
Example:
The Gandharan Buddhist art, found in regions influenced by Ancient Greek Culture, often depicted Buddha with classical drapery and idealized facial features.
Arabic Language
The language of the Qur'an, which became a crucial artistic element in Islamic art through calligraphy, often used for decorative and spiritual purposes.
Example:
A Folio from a Qur'an beautifully illustrates the artistic mastery of Arabic Language calligraphy, transforming sacred text into visual art.
Cultural Exchange
The reciprocal sharing and interaction of ideas, customs, technologies, and artistic styles between different societies or groups.
Example:
The Basin (Baptistière de Saint Louis), made in the Middle East but used by French royalty, exemplifies cultural exchange and recontextualization of art.
Islam
A monotheistic religion that significantly influenced the art and architecture of West and Central Asia, emphasizing aniconism in religious contexts and intricate geometric and calligraphic designs.
Example:
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is a prime example of early Islamic architecture, showcasing the faith's aesthetic principles.
Mahayana Buddhism
A major branch of Buddhism that spread along the Silk Road, contributing to the diverse religious art of West and Central Asia, often featuring elaborate iconography and bodhisattva figures.
Example:
The colossal Buddhas of Bamiyan were monumental sculptures created under the influence of Mahayana Buddhism, serving as important pilgrimage sites.
Media
The materials or substances used by an artist to create a work of art.
Example:
The Ardabil Carpet showcases silk and wool as its primary media, demonstrating the luxurious materials used in Persian rug weaving.
Religious Diversity
The presence and coexistence of multiple religious traditions within a specific region or artistic context.
Example:
Unit 7 itself highlights the religious diversity of West and Central Asia, featuring artworks from both Islamic and Buddhist traditions.
Silk Road
An ancient network of trade routes connecting East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across Eurasia.
Example:
The vibrant blue pigments in medieval European paintings often came from Afghanistan via the Silk Road, demonstrating its global reach.
Syncretism
The blending of different cultural, religious, or artistic traditions to create something new and unique.
Example:
The Buddhas of Bamiyan showed a blend of Indian Buddhist iconography with Hellenistic artistic styles, a clear example of syncretism.
Technique
The specific methods, skills, or procedures used by an artist to create an artwork, often related to the manipulation of materials.
Example:
The intricate inlay of gold and silver on the Basin (Baptistière de Saint Louis) demonstrates a sophisticated metalworking technique.