WHAT DEFINES “ARTS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD”?
The phrases “arts of the Islamic World” and “Islamic art” refer to a variety of artistic traditions that have flourished since the advent of Islam in the late seventh century across a vast geographic area ranging from southern Spain and North Africa to the islands of Southeast Asia. While different regions developed their own distinctive styles, the resulting artwork shared several characteristics inspired by their common religion, such as the use of calligraphy to transform simple objects into works of art and the use of abstract geometric designs to decorate the Koran, the holy text of Islam. The Freer and Sackler galleries have one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the United States, with particular strengths in ceramics and illustrated manuscripts.
Complete overview: http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/islamicHome.htm
Browse Collection
http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/results.cfm?group=Islamic
Exhibits
http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/artsofIslamic.htm
Arts of the Islamic World – Online Gallery Guide
http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/online/islamic/default.htm
Online Exhibitions
http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/online.htm
Ismailimail 