7/14/2023 0 Comments Tessellation templates circles![]() ![]() The underling tiling pattern is usually hidden beneath the final design, as if behind a veil, but the viewer is always given an intimation of the hidden order and this is part of what gives the designs their meditative power. ![]() Notice the pattern of underlying polygons: hexagons, triangles, squares, dodecagons. ![]() The pattern above (after Paul Marchant) is based on elements of medieval designs typically found in Cairo. Islamic designers used the full range of Archimedean tilings (comprised of simple polygons) first discovered by the Greeks, but added to and expanded upon these with extraordinary visual and spatial ingenuity. The decorative elements deployed use a range of symmetries that have now been classified as belonging to distinct mathematical groups, but the subtlety and beauty of the designs is unparallelled in modern mathematical thinking. This is often signified by its use on the floors or lower parts of walls, as shown in the image above. They form a three-fold hierarchy in which geometry is seen as foundational. These are the three distinct, but complementary, disciplines that comprise Islamic art. In the Alhambra (14th C), Spain (above), geometric pattern is perfectly integrated with biomorphic design (arabesque) and calligraphy. These shapes are still cut by hand in modern day Morocco. These are typical of the ceramic cut tile pieces used in mosaics thoughout Morocco, where they are known as ‘zillij’ and Andalucia, where they are known as ‘alicatado’, from the early medieval period onwards. Note how the complex tracery of pattern interweaves with the basic design which appears in white outline in the photograph above.Ī family of geometric tiles (above), derived from the octagram (khatam – 8 pointed star) form a ‘jigsaw’ puzzle, which through different combinations can generate a myriad of stunning designs. From this a regular grid of triangles is established, on top of which the design is elaborated. The pattern above (15 th century) from Yazd in Iran is derived from six regular divisions of the circle. The natural division of the circle into regular divisions is the ritual starting point for many traditional Islamic patterns, as demonstrated in the drawings below. In Islamic art the geometric figure of the circle represents the primordial symbol of unity and the ultimate source of all diversity in creation. The origin of the word ‘cosmos’ is adornment (from which we derive the modern word ‘cosmetics’) and the adornment of sacred buildings with both floral and geometric patterns makes the viewer sensitive to the subtle harmonies uniting the natural world around us with the cosmos. The cyclical movement of heavenly bodies, which Plato described as the ‘music of the spheres’, finds its Earthly reflection in the natural symmetries found throughout nature and most strikingly within the world of flowers, the proportions of which are governed by simple geometric laws. Throughout the ages mystics & theologians have used geometry as a contemplative focus, as it enables the viewer a vision of the underyling order of both the cosmos and the natural world. Geometry – The Language of Symmetry in Islamic Art Henry), alongside detail showing the path of Venus from James Ferguson’s, Astronomy Explained Upon Sir Isaac Newton’s Principles, 1799 ed., plate III, opp. Taj-Al-Mulk North Dome (with 5-fold motif), Jameh mosque, Isfahan, built1088 (photo: R. Boulder, DENVER USA ~ Plaster carving June ’23.NEW ONLINE SERIES – Patterns of Shah Rukn-e-Alam. ![]()
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