Islamic Arts

Islamic art covers a broad spectrum of artistic practices, not necessarily inspired by religion, which evolved within a number of differing Islamic societies. Like Islamic architecture, Islamic art forms vary widely in stylistic attributes depending on their region of origin and the outside cultural influences from which they took inspiration. Islamic textiles, more specifically rugs and carpets, were highly prized and exported outside the Islamic world. They played an important decorative role in mosques and a practical role in worship along with textiles for religious garments. Islamic glassmaking evolved from traditional Roman methods and introduced a number of new techniques which developed a unique Islamic style, whilst Islamic ceramics and pottery were unrivalled in terms of quality and innovation. Both of these crafts borrowed heavily from Chinese styles and production methods. Islamic metalwork was significantly different in both style and composition to its western counterparts, being more utilitarian and featuring less gold and bronze.