Lines



Fig. 1 Giare, ceramica

Iran, VIII sec. d.C.



      In Islamic Art, lines were designed in geometric patterns and simple abstract shapes like arrows, triangles, circles, and three leaf clovers. The lines of the abstract shapes are not clean and straight, but are soft and flowy styled lines.  Though the lines are not precisely drawn, the art pieces still have a very elegant appearance.



      The lines created in the vase (Fig. 1) are indented into the clay to form a slight relief.  The relief gives a darker value to the color of the vase.  The lines add attention to the composition because the vase is basically one solid color except for the patina that has formed.  The line designs  are large circles in a formation on the top section of the vase.  A zig zag line is drawn around the lower mid section to add more interest to the vase.  The diamond shape design at the neck of the vase, which is a relief effect, compliments this zig zag line.                        

                                                                                

Fig. 2 Piatto con representazione di felino passante

Argento niellato, Iran, VI-VII sec. d.C.






Metal Plate (Fig. 2):  Black three leaf cloves were painted on the tiger with very small dotted line patterns in the background. The structure of five arrow tree is designed with soft curved lines.  The indented triangle shapes are irregular as the holes shaped in the Fig.3 art piece. These imperfect holes add more appeal to the composition because the heads and the bodies of the animals are not realistically formed.  The holes seem randomly shaped, especially for the eyes.   The silhouette of the 3 animals shows a soft lumps in the lines similar to a baked muffin or a loaf of bread.  

Fig. 3 Supporto di bruciaprofumi a protoni leonine, bronzo fuso

Iran, XI-XII sec. d.C.



         Stacie Johnson