Media Metaphors

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Media Metaphors

In his treatise on penmanship, al-Tawhidi draws a parallel between calligraphy and jewelry by using one art form as a metaphor for another. This phenomenon, in which one medium mimics or refers to the qualities of another, is relatively common in Islamic art. Such is the case with ceramic bowls painted with luster that shimmers like gold and ceramic vessels encrusted with jewel-shaped bezels. Moreover, some floral mosaics recall the lush gardens of paradise, while a calligraphic diagram could metaphorically represent the character and being of the Prophet Muhammad.

Bowl with bird

Bowl with bird

Vessel fragment with gemlike motifs

Vessel fragment with gemlike motifs

Glass fragment

Glass fragment

Textile fragment with interlace design

Textile fragment with interlace design

Vessel fragment with interlace design

Vessel fragment with interlace design

Fragment of tile mosaic

Fragment of tile mosaic

Lambrequin

Lambrequin

Cupbearer blazon

Cupbearer blazon

Vessel fragment with cupbearer blazon

Vessel fragment with cupbearer blazon

Iridescent glass vessel fragments

Iridescent glass vessel fragments

Molar flask

Molar flask

<em>Hilye</em>

Hilye

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Tiraz and Epigraphy

Although derived from the Persian word for embroidery, the word tiraz indicates an inscription band found on textiles, woodwork, architecture, and other media. Certain words and phrases are believed to protect and transmit blessings (baraka) to an individual, especially if inscribed on a burial shroud wrapped around the deceased's body. Still others offer well wishes to their owners and viewers.

<em>Tiraz</em> Textile fragment

Tiraz textile fragment

Inscribed panel

Inscribed panel

Inscribed textile

Inscribed textile

Textile with inscription band

Textile with inscription band

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Coins and Measures

Many Islamic coins are purely epigraphic, providing statements of the faith, the ruler's names and titles, and the place and date of minting. However, a number of exemplars also display logos, animals, human figures, signs of the zodiac, cosmic symbols, and bust portraits. Because coins were not always minted according to standard weight and purity levels, glass weights were used to measure the amount of metal currency required for a purchase. Engaging a media metaphor, glass weights tend to mimic the shape and appearance of their metal counterparts.

Umayyad <em>dirham</em>

Umayyad dirham

Fatimid <em>dinar</em>

Fatimid dinar

Ilkhanid coin

Ilkhanid coin

Qajar coin with sun motif

Qajar coin with sun motif

Coin with bust portrait of King Faruk I

Coin with bust portrait of King Faruk I

Ottoman coin

Ottoman coin

Coin weight

Coin weight

Coin weight

Coin weight

Coin weight

Coin weight

Large weight

Large weight

Double-page painting

Double-page painting

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