Geometric Patterns In Islamic Art

Islamic Geometric and Vegetal Patterns

Introduction

In Islam, art and beauty have been given value since early times, specially the moral beauty. Muslim artists and architects reflected this value through their works. They projected different Islamic messages in their art works, such as building, mosques, interior and exterior environments, and in their daily used items such as books, coins, boxes and ceramics and etc. The main way that the artists used to present the art was in using different ornaments. Within the wide Islamic geographic spread and the valuable history, Islamic art was a subject that was exposed to different cultures different nations, but not much was changed, during the changes that happen in Islamic world, The art

The two types have been either combined together or been used separately. Unlike the figural representation, geometric and vegetal patterns are used almost in everywhere. This essay is a focus on geometric and vegetal patterns.

Geometric patterns, calligraphy and vegetal patterns are considered as non-figural decoration. The geometric patterns are not only used to decorate the monumental architecture in Islamic art but also used as the main decorative element to the vast array of all types of decorating different objects.

The amazing geometric patterns are generated from simple shapes and forms. To create any geometric pattern different stages have been taken to reach the final result. Simple shapes such as squares and circles were duplicated or interlaced or combined together. Then they have been arranged to create the complicated geometric patterns. Therefor, these patterns are considered as the most distinctive features of Islamic art. These convention patterns are exemplifying denial the strict rules of geometry shapes. We can see some of the shapes of the geometric patterns are inspired from nature (E.g. Fig.3), for example the circle which is the most important base to make any geometric pattern (E.g. Fig.4), is taken from the circular shapes are seen in nature like the sun or the middle part of the