Arabesque – Definition
Arabesque is a very ancient form of artistic decoration method that is based on rhythmic linear patterns; this art style is used to decorate the surface of the huge edifice, building or temple, etc.
Arabesque’s Summary
Categories: You would know these things in this article.
- Arabic art
- Arabic architecture
- Art genres
- Visual motifs
- Moorish architecture
- Architectural styles
- Islamic culture
- Islamic architectural elements
- Islamic art
- Ornaments
Summary
It is a very ancient form of artistic decoration method that is based on rhythmic linear patterns; this art style is used to decorate the surface of the huge edifice, building or temple, etc.
Plain lines, interlaced foliage and scrolled patterns are the part of this art. The artwork of Umayyad Mosque (Damascus) is the best example of this art.
The foliate ornament is another example which is used in Islam (It usually consists of a repetitive and single design).
The artwork of Arabesque is a fundamental element of Islamic art, but there is a nuance difference between them.
Arabesque is the part of the European world, and Islamic literature is adorned in Muslim countries.
Eurasian decorative art includes motifs (Art and iconography), and Art Historians use this technical term (Arabesque) to define only decoration elements.
Umayyad Mosque of Damascus, Samarkand with white calligraphy, Yeseria panel from Abbasid Samarra and Islamic relief panel from Medina Azahara art the examples of “Arabesque.”
We see the importance of this art in Islam. If you notice carefully, then you must have seen the example of this art style in many mosques of European and Asian world.
Due to this resemblance, there is a minimal difference between a Western arabesque and Islamic arabesque.
And the reason behind this resemblance is apparent; this art style has developed through long traditional and western journey. That’s why we trace the origin of this art style from both aspects.
In this article, you would know the following things
- Islamic arabesque
- Significance in Islam
- Western arabesque
- Printing
- Notes
Characteristic of Arabesque
Characteristic
Arabesque is distinguished by its intricate, flowing, and rhythmic patterns, which draw inspiration from nature. Primarily found in Islamic architecture and design, it showcases geometric and vegetal motifs. Arabesque highlights the harmonious interplay of symmetry, repetition, and ornamental detail, creating a captivating aesthetic of beauty and elegance.
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Other important aspects
- Stone relief with arabesques of tendrils, palmettes and half-palmettes in the Umayyad Mosque, Damascus
- Part of a 15th-century ceramic panel from Samarkand with white calligraphy
- Decorative yeseria panel from Abbasid Samarra, in Style C
- Byzantine capital and decoration in Hagia Sophia, white marble, 6th century.
- Mosaics on the Treasury Dome of the Great Mosque of Damascus, 789
- Byzantine mosaic in Basilica of San Vitale, 6th century.
- Arabesque pattern in yeseria at the Alhambra
- Border decoration to an Ottoman miniature, early 16th century
- Detail of 16th century Persian carpet
- Complex Mughal arabesque pietra dura inlays at Agra Fort
- Tiled panel in the same mosque
Top 5 elements of Arabesque
1. Structural
- Ablaq
- Chahartaq
- Chhajja
- Hasht-Bihisht
- Hypostyle
- Iwan
- Jharokha
Top 5 Regional styles of Arabesque
1. Ayyubid
The Ayyubid dynasty was a Muslim dynasty of Kurdish origin founded by Saladin and centred in Egypt…
2. Azerbaijani
Architecture in Azerbaijan typically combines elements of East and West. Many ancient architectural treasures such as the
3. Indo-Islamic
Indo-Islamic architecture is the architecture of the Indian subcontinent produced for Islamic patrons and purposes.
4. Indonesian
The architecture of Indonesia reflects the diversity of cultural, historical and geographic influences that have shaped Indonesia as a whole
5. Ottoman
Ottoman architecture is the architecture of the Ottoman Empire which emerged in Bursa and Edirne in 14th and 15th centuries.
Know everything about Arabesque in short
Arabesque’s 5 Frequently asked questions
Examples of Arabesque
Top artworks
- Byzantine capital and decoration in Hagia Sophia, white marble, 6th century.
- Byzantine mosaic in Basilica of San Vitale, 6th century.
- Arabesque pattern in yeseria at the Alhambra
- Border decoration to an Ottoman miniature, early 16th century
- Detail of 16th century Persian carpet
- Complex Mughal arabesque pietra dura inlays at Agra Fort
- Tiled panel in the same mosque