With the emergence and discovery of
newer techniques and materials, the
In Samarra a new style of carving
emerged, known as the bevelled style,
adoption of external technologies the
Muslim artisans had a better understanding of the art, which gave them
which was later, known in the west as
the freedom to express their creativi-
“arabesque”. Arabesque was mainly used as wall deco-
ty at the same time, acquire new
ration, with time it became popular in other forms of art
like pottery and wood.
skills. During the Abbasid era, there
were two major revolutions in the
sector of ceramic arts: the invention
China was the supplier for paper making technology to
of faience and metallic lusterware.
The use of gold vessels is prohibited
the Islamic empire. Bookbinding was important in the Is-
in Islam. This prohibition led to the
lamic world because they had to bind the Quran togeth-
development of metallic lusterware in
er; the initial versions were not clear but as the technology improved so did the quality.
pottery, colour was also added to the
decoration.
Illuminated manuscripts were
invented, both new and improved calligraphy were used.
Contrary to the general impression that the Abbasid artistic
production concentrated mainly
Figure 4 Capital, Abbasid period
(750–1258), late 8th century
on pottery, the prominent development occurred in textiles. The
government strongly supported the textile industry; government-run workshops produced silks with the name of
the monarch, this practice allowed the
aristocrats to display their loyalty to the
ruler.
Figure 3 Faience plate
Figure 2 Cup Earthenware with metallic lustre and opaque glaze, over
glaze painted, 9th century.