SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The role that architectural representation plays within Islamic decoration is a subject that has been neglected and requires investigation. This study aims to address the subject of the role of architectural representation in relation to the various objects of art and architecture, their context, types and significance, and to present a comprehensive interpretation of the history and meaning of examples of architectural representation. It draws attention to the artistic splendour and sacred associations of representing architectural iconographies in Muslim art. As such, it is the first study to attribute the significance of the architectural form to the function of the art object and to interpret the meaning of its architectural forms as "signatures" of their artists. It is also the first to propose the relationship between the significance of the architectural representation, the artistic techniques and methods used in its representation within the corpus of Muslim art. The fields of examination are divided into two areas: architectural iconographies on architecture and on art objects. In volume one, the brief general introduction summarizes the present state of research, discusses the source and explains the chosen approach to the material. The three following chapters deal with the significance of architectural representation in Muslim art. Chapters one and two outline the cultural, religious, and social origins of the architectural representation on architecture and on art objects, and discuss the various interpretations of its significance. The artistic structure of the architectural forms and its contribution to the meaning and significance of the architectural representation are then examined in chapter three. In volume two, the photographic material of the thesis is assembled containing colour and black and white photographs.