The arts flourished in many Islamic centers from 900-1300. Media considered "decorative arts" in the western tradition are among the most important in the Muslim world. As in architecture, there are distinctive regional variations, although most art works display a style that integrates, floral, geometric and/or figural decoration into intricate and complex two dimensional patterns that are distinctively Islamic. Some media tend to be specialities of particular regions-ivories from Spain, rock crystal from Egypt, metal inlay from Iran and Iraq, illustrated books from Baghdad. While religious objects are numerous, secular art works with elaborate figural decorations, often based on literary sources are of particular interest. Many of the surviving works from this period are luxury goods that were traded far beyond the boundaries of the Islamic lands.

Pyxis of Subh, 964
*Pyxis of Al-Mughira, 968
Minbar from Kutubiyya Mosque in Marakesh, late 12th century, made in Cordoba
 
 

*Fatimid painting from palace in Cairo, 11th century
Wood carving

Lustre pottery, 10th-11th century

Bronze/Brass objects,

*Rock crystal ewer of Caliph al-Aziz Billah 975-96
Rock Crystal ewer from St. Denis in France

"Hedwig" glasses, early 10th century, examples preserved in Germany

Painted ceiling from the Capella Palatina Sicily, made by Fatimid craftsmen, c. 1143
Coronation cloak of Roger II of Sicily

In Seljuk Iran as well as Ayyubid Iraq and Syria, artistic production demonstrated inventiveness and brilliance. During this period of relative peace and prosperity, there was a great demand for luxury goods not only from rulers, but also from wealthy merchants. Complex processes were used in inlaid metal vessels and elaborately painted and glazed pottery. Figural designs were combined with floral ornament and flowing inscriptions to produce delicate, all-over surface patterns. At the beginning of this period, Seljuk Iran produced the finest artworks, by the second quarter of the 13th century, the Mongol threat to Iran shifted centers of production to Iraq and Syria. In Syria and Palestine, interactions between Muslims and western crusaders produced some interesting "hybrid" art works. The destruction of Baghdad in 1258 is conventionally used to mark the end of this period, although the artistic traditions of Iran and Iraq continued under Mongol as well as Mamluk rule.

Lion incense burners, Seljuk Iran, 12th century
Enamelled basin with Alexander the Great, Mosul, Iraq, third quarter of the 12th century
 

Bronze vessels inlaid with silver and/or gold (many carry the names of later owners)
*Bobrinsky Bucket, Herat, 1163
The Wade Cup, 13th century
*Arenberg Basin, 1239/49
Canteen with Christian scenes, Syria, 13th century
Blacas Ewer, 13th century
Pencase, inkwell, other metalwork, 13th century

Pottery from Nishapur, Samarqand, 10th century

Mina'i ware, polychrome designs over a white glaze
*Plate with Battle Scene, mid 13th century
Pottery from Kashan, Iran
Lustre-painted ceramic mihrab, Kashan, 1226
Macy Jug, 1215-16
Lustre plates with literary scenes, early 13th century
Lustre tiles, 13th century

"The Luck of Edenhall," enamelled glass from 13th century Syria

Silk textile made in eastern Iran (preserved in the church of Saint-Josse, France) before 961
Silk Textiles from Spain and Iran
Rare examples of early carpets from Konya, Turkey (Seljuks of Rum), Mosque of Ala-al-Din

Manuscript painting flourished in this period, particularly in 13th century Baghdad, but examples from Spain and Iran also survive. There was an increased interest in lively illustrations of secular and scientific works. Many of these pictures feature colorful details of everyday life in the city and were probably commissioned by wealthy merchants. This interest in figural decoration influenced pottery and metalwork.

Manuscript of Bayad wa Riyad, Spain, 1200

Warqa wa Gulshah, Seljuk Iran, possibly late 12th century

Treatise on the Fixed Stars, 1009-10

Kitb ad Diryaq (Book of Antidotes) by Pseudo-Galen
Manuscript copied in 1199
Manuscript from the mid 13th century

*Kalila wa Dimna, probably Syria, 1200-1220

Jacobite-Syrian Lectionary of the Gospels, Monastery of Mar Mattai near Mosul, 1220

De Materia Medica of Dioscorides
Manuscript from 1229, shows strong Byzantine influence
Compare Byzantine mosaic from Kiev, 11^th century
Manuscript dated to 1224
 
 

Maqamat (Assemblies) of al Hariri,
*Shefer al Hariri (Paris 5847), 1237
Paris 3929, 1240s
St. Petersburg Manuscript, 1225-35

Study Question: Read one of the stories from al-Hariri's Maqamat. Compare the text and the illustration or illustrations. The text of the first twelve stories from the Maqamat is available at http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/1100Hariri.html

Consult O. Grabar, The Illustrations of the Maqamat for more information. In the back of this book are microfiches of all illustrations from the manuscripts (in black and white).