Islamic Metalwork

Islamic arms and armour were often decorated with a wide variety of Quranic passages and pious invocations

Apart from floral and animal motifs, a dominant part of Islamic iconography on arms and armour is confined to calligraphy.

Although the representation of (sacred) figures is not strictly forbidden in the Qur'an, images as objects of devotion were avoided in Islamic art from its very beginning. Islamic artists relied instead on the words of the Prophet Muhammad to inspire and to give literal shape to their designs.

 As a result, calligraphy in Islamic lands developed into a fine art, becoming in the process the principal form of religious ornament. To view the full 45 Minute Video Click here.

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