Essay Database

There exist three basic components of traditional Islamic art: calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral and vegetal motifs. These three stylistic tools are beautifully rendered and masterfully integrated into complex works of art, but there is no question that artistic expression is severely limited under these categorizations. However, this limitation stems from Islamic theology and concept of art. The main reason for the limitation imposed on visual art is the Islamic theological prohibition of figural imagery. …

…ends in a Sufarai victory and the national honor of pre-Islamic Iran is restored. Interestingly, Islamic history has nothing to do with the content of the story, yet its influence is apparent in the Arabic text, geometric designs, floral motifs, and resulting implications. Though breaking the proscription of images, the “Sufarai Victory Over the Haital, as well as all the miniatures in Tahmasp’s Shahnama, retain the “intrinsic quality and unique identity” of Islamic art.