What are the importance of calligraphy and decoration in Islamic art.
What will be an ideal response?
Demonstrate how calligraphy—the art of producing artistic, stylized handwriting—is used as an iconic decorative form in Islam (Revel Asset: Closer Look: THE BISMILLAH AND THE ART OF CALLIGRAPHY). Discuss how the Muslim calligrapher is considered the medium through which Allah expresses himself and how the more beautiful the calligraphic script, the more fully Allah’s beauty is realized. One of the most important calligraphic phrases is the bismillah, which consists of the phrase, “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, Ever-Merciful.” Every pious Muslim begins any statement or activity with the bismillah, and it inaugurates each chapter of the Qur’an. For Arab calligraphers, to write the bismillah in as beautiful a form as possible brings the scribe forgiveness for sins. Explain how calligraphy became an important part of architectural practice. Finally, show how writing was influential in the spread of Islam, and discuss how this might have contributed to the high esteem of Muslim calligraphers in the tradition.
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What was a disadvantage of a daguerreotype?
A. The image was blurred. B. The image would fade over time. C. The image could not easily be reproduced. D. All of the above.
In the Balinese caste system, 90 percent of Balinese belong to the ________ caste.
A. warrior B. priestly C. merchant D. commoner
What traditional practice in Yoruba culture is used to determine the source of a client's problem?
A. rituals involving a medicinal herb that induces visions B. a session where opposing forces of order and disorder are mediated through a diviner C. a trial of endurance enacted as part of an initiation ceremony D. consult with a tribal shaman
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What is the name of the building in this image, and where is it located?
A. San Vitale, Ravenna B. Palatine Chapel, Aachen C. Saint Pantaleon, Cologne D. Saint Michael's, Hildesheim