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Islamic Art and Architecture 101: Common Elements and Motifs 

Islamic Art and Architecture 101: Common Elements and Motifs 
By Sumaiyya Naseem

Motifs are recurring elements in works of art. islamic architecture characteristics has its own set of elements or motifs which make it easy for us to know whether the art or construction is a product of Islamic art.


Just like Japanese art has nature, dragons and seasons as its motif, Islamic art has its own set of elements which make it unique.

read also : Art Jameel: Reviving Islamic Traditional Art & Design

islamic architecture characteristics

Here are some elements which are commonly present in islamic architecture characteristics

1. Geometric Motifs

Simple forms of geometric patterns are combined or interlaced to form design. The symmetry of these geometric designs offer the artist a lot of freedom, versatility and allow space for other kinds of ornamentation. They often symbolise infinite growth. Basic shapes: circles, interlaced circles, squares, and four sided polygons, and combinations form the ubiquitous star pattern.

Photo Credit: modeoflife.wordpress.com
Photo Credit: modeoflife.wordpress.com

read also : Islamic Art And Architecture 101: Facts Of Historical Significance

2. Vegetal Patterns.

These are patterns are representations of plants and hold no symbolic meaning. These are often colourful and paired with other elements like calligraphy. Example: floral patterns in arabesque designs.

Photo Credit: psta.org.uk
Photo Credit: psta.org.uk

3. Calligraphy

This is one of the most fundamental aspects and is also very popular. The verses of the Qur’an are often written in this form to reinforce the message and to also be aesthetically appealing. In principle, calligraphy is the means to transfer information/text even if it is not readily understood by everyone. One word could be just the stroke of a brush, or a single letter could be a decorative knot in calligraphy.

Photo Credit: uthmag.com
Photo Credit: uthmag.com

4. Minarets Or Towers

These are commonly found in the architecture of mosques, and is a fundamental feature of Islamic architecture. It usually has a conical onion shaped crown.

Photo Credit: onearabvegan.com
Photo Credit: onearabvegan.com

5. Domes

It represents the hollow upper half of a sphere and it is one of the most common features, especially in mosques.

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org
Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

6. Fountains/Water

It is decorative and is also a source of cooling. It also visually emphasises the architecture.

Photo Credit: jayneshatzpottery.com
Photo Credit: jayneshatzpottery.com

7. Light

It adds a dynamic quality to the architecture, extends forms and patterns and also enhances the texture and contrasts of planes.

Photo Credit: talkpundit.com
Photo Credit: talkpundit.com

8. Other Elements

Other common features are gardens, arches, columns and courtyards.

Photo Credit: flickr.com
Photo Credit: flickr.com

Which element of Islamic art and architecture do you find most appealing?! Tell us in the comments below!

 


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