03.02 Calligraphy

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes on Islamic Art.

Islamic Calligraphy

Central in Islamic art due to the prohibition of figural imagery in religious contexts.

Kufic

Formal, angular scripts used in sacred texts.

Shahnama

A Persian national epic by Firdawsi, recounting Iran’s history pre-Islamic conquest.

Court of Gayumars

Lush, floating composition featuring Gayumars on a mountain throne with peaceful animals, surrounded by calligraphy.

Basin (Baptistère de St. Louis)

Brass inlaid with gold and silver, featuring decorative bands of Mamluk hunters, Mongol enemies, and running animals.

Ardabil Carpets

Commissioned for the funerary mosque of Shaykh Safi al-Din and elevated to a national industry.

Mughals

Integrated Islamic, Persian, and European styles in art.

Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings

Features a scroll-like vegetal border, European-style halo and side profiles, and symbolism showing Islamic influence.

Taj Mahal

Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, featuring white marble, floral arabesques, and calligraphy.

Iwans

Vaulted doorways facing outward.