Materials in Islamic Art (200AD-1350AD)

          Throughout the ages, Islamic art has always demonstrated great care for ornamental and decorative patterns. Thanks to skillful artisans, who were able to handle a wide range of materials, Islamic art could develop sumptuous and rich manufactures, and introduce or re-establish particular and complicated processing techniques. The main materials used to produce works of art were not only metal, glass, ivory, and wood, although scarcely present in the Islamic region, but also bronze, brass, and silver inlays. Another important material used in the production of precious textiles and cloths was silk, which was usually first manufactured in China, where silkworms grew in a more favorable climate, and then brought to the Middle East (Kleiner 350).

           Concerning the Arsacid dynasty, dating back to the second half of the 3^rd century BCE to the 3^rd century CE, a well-conserved collection of pottery is actually visible in the museum. Arsacid pottery, moreover, reveals something important about the strong regionalism which was common place in that geographical area, the southern eastern area of the Caspian Sea, and about the stylistic and formal continuity with the most ancient Iranian traditions(Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, museum's informative papers).

Ceramics and a Copper Inkwell - photograph from the Museo d'Arte Orientale, Rome

          On the contrary, the Sassanid dynasty (from the 3^rd to the 7^th century CE), used metalwork to stress the court’s splendor. Many of these works of art, such as silver or golden boxes, bowls, plates, and bottles had symbolic - mythical functions. For example, there are hypothesis claiming that they were used as gifts for political propaganda’s ends, since many have been found in areas corresponding to present Russia, very far from the production centers. Sassanid artisans also manufactured terracotta cups, which were believed to have magic powers thanks to protective inscriptions hold inside. Finally, it is important to underline the vast manufacturing of silver and golden opulent belts.

Sketch: Glass Bottle with Blue and Gold inlays - Museo d'Arte Orientale, Rome

          With particular reference to Iranian art, especially from the 9^th and 10^th centuries, it is important to point out the various typical shapes which characterized Iranian metalwork. There are numerous examples in the museum showing jugs inspired to Roman models, and tight lavender bottles, decorated with inlays and pear-shaped aspect. What is more interesting is the important variety of techniques used by Iranian potters, such as that of creating artificial slurry which replaced clay usage. The objects created with this new more resistant mix were then covered with white or blue glazing, and decorated with carved or bas-relief decorative motifs, remanding of Chinese porcelain, which were greatly appreciate in the Islamic world. Another important technique, which was introduced during the 13^th century, was that of damascene. It consisted in the creation of glittering effects through the inlay of silver, gold, and copper laminas on metal surfaces. In this way, we can admire jugs, little boxes, basins, and candlesticks made with this technique. We can find also perfume burners, mirrors, and mortars made of bronze with inlayed decorations of vegetal, floral, and epigraphic motifs(Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, museum's informative papers).

Bronze Mirror - photograph from the Museo d'Arte Orientale, Rome

Bronze perfume burners - photograph fro the Museo d'Arte Orientale, Rome


























Works Cited:

Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner's Art Through The Ages. A Global History. Ed. 13. Vol.2. Wadswarth, 2011.     Print.

Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali. Sala 3: Vicino e Medio Oriente. Gli Imperi: Archemenidi, Parti, Sasanidi. Museo Nazionale D'Arte Orientale "Giuseppe Tucci".

Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali.Sala 4: Arte e Archeologia Islamica.Museo Nazionale D'Arte  Orientale "Giuseppe Tucci".


Maria Plateo