Islamic art / Luca Mozzati ; translation from the Italian, D. Radzinowicz, Paul Aston, Sliema, and Tessa Frank, Ludlow.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 318-319).

-- Basic Principles -- The interpretation of Islamic art -- The forms of Islamic architecture -- Calligraphy: the form of the divine word -- The applied arts -- The History of Islamic Art -- The Umayyads -- The Abbasids: empire of the Caliphate -- The Mediterranean basin between the eighth and eleventh centuries: the birth of regional identity -- Central Asia between the tenth and twelfth centuries -- The Mediterranean basin between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries -- The Seljuqs -- The Ilkhanids, the Timurids, and the Khanates -- The Ottoman empire -- Persia from the Safavids to the Qajar dynasty -- The Indian subcontinent -- Principle dynasties and figures of the Islamic world.

From its birth in the 7th century through modern times, the Islamic religion has inspired glorious works of art. This stunning book includes more than four hundred reproductions of treasures of Islamic art that span the world: from southern Europe, along the entire Mediterranean basin to sub-Saharan Africa through the Middle East, India, and Central Asia. Arranged geographically, the objects include paintings, miniatures, ceramics, calligraphy, textiles, carpets, and metal works. Each region is given a thorough introduction that offers historical context and extensive descriptions of its artifacts. Accompanying essays offer guidance in interpreting the many themes that tie these works together, including typology, calligraphy, and religious beliefs. With its large format, exquisite reproductions, and extensive research, this book is a thorough introduction to the Islamic artistic tradition.

Translated from the Italian.