A Closer Look - The Arts of Islam

Three–dimensional works of art created in the Islamic world were largely intended for use in daily activities, such as drinking and eating, while others were reserved to mark special social or religious occasions. Many were portable.

Whether working in glass, metal, stone, wood, cloth, or clay, artists skillfully transformed ordinary objects into elaborate works of art. As one of the main vehicles for artistic expression, these carefully crafted objects played a central role in the social, economic, and material life of the peoples of the Islamic world and provided a constant source of visual and intellectual pleasure and gratification.

This is the last page of the gallery guide.
Return to the Islamic menu.