Glossary
Bahram Gur Fights the Karg
A folio from the Great Il-Khanid Shahnama, a vibrant example of Persian manuscript painting depicting a legendary hero.
Example:
Bahram Gur Fights the Karg illustrates a dramatic narrative from the Persian epic, showcasing the dynamic composition and rich colors typical of Il'Khanid painting.
Basin (Baptistère de St. Louis)
A famous brass basin inlaid with gold and silver, created by Muhammad ibn al–Zain, showcasing exquisite Islamic metalwork.
Example:
The Basin (Baptistère de St. Louis) is notable for its complex figural scenes and calligraphic bands, despite its later use as a baptismal font.
Beating
A metalworking technique involving hammering metal to shape it, often used for creating vessels or armor.
Example:
A blacksmith might use beating to flatten and shape a piece of iron into a functional tool or decorative element.
Calligraphy
The art of beautiful handwriting, considered a sacred art form in Islamic cultures, used to record texts on various surfaces.
Example:
The pages of a Qur'an often feature exquisite calligraphy, transforming the written word into a visual masterpiece.
Casting
A sculptural process where a liquid material is poured into a mold, which then solidifies into the desired shape.
Example:
Many ancient Greek bronze statues were created through the lost-wax casting method, allowing for detailed and dynamic forms.
Ceramics
Art made from clay and other raw materials, hardened by heat, often used for utilitarian vessels and architectural decoration in West and Central Asia.
Example:
The vibrant blue and white pottery of the Ming Dynasty is a famous example of Chinese ceramics, prized for its delicate designs.
Chasing
A metalworking technique where the surface of a metal object is ornamented by indenting it with a hammer and various tools.
Example:
Delicate details on a silver chalice might be added through chasing, refining the design after the initial shaping.
Cobalt-on-white slip painting
A ceramic decoration technique where blue cobalt pigment is applied over a white slip (liquid clay coating) before glazing.
Example:
Many early Islamic ceramic bowls feature striking designs achieved through cobalt-on-white slip painting, creating a vibrant contrast.
Embossing
A technique used to create a raised or relief design on a surface, often metal, by pressing or hammering from the reverse side.
Example:
The decorative shield of the Sutton Hoo burial features elaborate animal motifs created through the embossing of metal.
Figural Works
Artworks that depict human or animal figures, often characterized by varied perspectives and patterned backgrounds in West & Central Asian art.
Example:
Persian miniature paintings often include detailed figural works that tell stories, with characters interacting within richly decorated settings.
Geometric & Vegetal Motifs
Decorative patterns composed of abstract shapes (geometric) or plant-based forms (vegetal), commonly found in West and Central Asian art.
Example:
The intricate tilework of the Alhambra palace is renowned for its stunning geometric & vegetal motifs, creating complex, repeating patterns.
Inlaying
A metalworking technique where pieces of one material are inserted into depressions in another material to form a decorative design.
Example:
The intricate patterns on the Basin (Baptistère de St. Louis) were created using inlaying of gold and silver into brass.
Islamic Art
A broad category of art produced in the Islamic world, characterized by an emphasis on calligraphy, geometric and vegetal patterns, and often avoiding figural representation in religious contexts.
Example:
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is a prime example of early Islamic Art, featuring intricate mosaics and calligraphic inscriptions.
Iznik-tile work
A distinctive style of Ottoman ceramic tile production from Iznik, Turkey, known for its vibrant colors (especially cobalt blue, turquoise, and red) and floral motifs.
Example:
The interior of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul is famously adorned with exquisite Iznik-tile work, showcasing its characteristic floral designs.
Lusterware
A type of pottery or porcelain with a metallic, iridescent glaze, achieved by applying metallic oxides and firing in a reduction kiln.
Example:
Medieval Islamic lusterware often shimmered with golden or reddish hues, mimicking the appearance of precious metals.
Manuscript painting
The art of illustrating and decorating handwritten books, often featuring intricate scenes, borders, and calligraphy.
Example:
The Book of Kells is a celebrated example of medieval Irish manuscript painting, renowned for its elaborate illuminations.
Metalwork
The art of creating objects from metal, encompassing a wide range of functional and decorative items, prominent in West and Central Asia.
Example:
The ancient Scythians were master artisans of metalwork, crafting elaborate gold ornaments for their horses and personal adornment.
Mosaic-tile architecture
An architectural decoration technique using small, colored pieces of ceramic or glass (tesserae) to create intricate patterns or images on buildings.
Example:
The vibrant domes and iwans of the Shah Mosque in Isfahan are stunning examples of Persian mosaic-tile architecture.
Painting
The art of applying pigments to a surface, encompassing diverse forms like manuscript illustrations, wall decorations, and large cloth hangings (*thangkas*).
Example:
The vivid frescoes of Pompeii are a testament to Roman painting, depicting scenes from daily life and mythology on walls.
Textiles
Artworks made from woven fibers, including luxurious carpets, velvets, and tapestries, often signifying wealth and artistic skill in West and Central Asia.
Example:
The Bayeux Tapestry is a monumental example of medieval textiles, narrating historical events through embroidered scenes.
Thangkas
Large, scroll-like paintings on cloth, typically found in Himalayan Buddhist art, depicting deities, mandalas, or narratives.
Example:
A Tibetan monastery might display a vibrant thangka during religious ceremonies, used as a meditation aid or teaching tool.
The Ardabil Carpet
A masterpiece of Persian textile art, one of the world's oldest and largest Islamic carpets, known for its intricate design and symbolism.
Example:
The Ardabil Carpet features a central medallion and radiating patterns, believed to represent a dome and lamps, reflecting its original placement in a mosque.
Two-Dimensional Designs
Artworks that emphasize flat surfaces, lacking the illusion of depth, often seen in West and Central Asian art.
Example:
Many ancient Egyptian tomb paintings feature two-dimensional designs, where figures are shown in profile without perspective.
Wall painting
Art applied directly to walls or ceilings, often large-scale and integral to the architecture of a space.
Example:
The ancient Roman villas of Pompeii are famous for their extensive wall painting, depicting mythological scenes and landscapes.