Qu’ran Stand and Manuscript By: Bushra Sarker

 This Qu’ran stand was made around the year 1360 by Hasan ibn Sulaiman al-Isfahani.  It was created to be used as a display in a theological college that teaches Islam.  It is made of teak wood and incorporates three of the four elements of Islamic Ornament.  These four elements are Calligraphy, Vegetal Patterns, Geometric Patterns, and figural representations.  Islamic art is very distinct because the artisans did not focus on paintings or sculptures.  Islamic artisans used four elements of design to create more decorative arts such as pottery, glass-making, and tile working.  The inscriptions that are carved into the wood are a prayer to the prophet and his 12 Imams.

The Qu’ran  The Qu’ran is the main religious text of the Islamic people.  It is said that it was given to the prophet Muhammed from God himself, so it is God’s word.  It must be treated with the utmost respect, and before even touching it a person must be Wud’u.  The Qu’ran stand is used to display the religious text, and ensure that it can be properly read by someone who is Wud’u.

Islamic Art

The Four elements of Islamic Orientation The first and most important element is Calligraphy which helps add an element of religion and holiness to any Islamic piece of artwork. The Second element is Vegetal Patterning. This type of pattern was created to give Islamic artwork an “Arabesque” feel.

The Four elements of Islamic Orientation The third element is geometric patterning which has been used throughout history, and can be found in almost every piece of Islamic Artwork. The last element is figural representation which is quite controversial within the Islamic community.

The mixture of religion and culture in art  Islamic art is a unique form of art because it must conform to a strict code that appeases both Islamic culture and religion.  While many aspects of Islam come from other cultures there are many aspects that were created due to a need for art in Islamic countries.  Many of the artisans that created Islamic art were not Muslim, but created the art because that is what their patrons requested.  Just like any other art form Islamic art has changed throughout the years, but it still has very distinct and intricate qualities.  All aspects of Islam and the Qu’ran must be respected when the art is being created.