Ottoman Flowers
ODC, Floral
On my first visit to Istanbul, back in the 20thC, I fell in love with Islamic art, particularly as used to decorate ceramics and tiles. Islamic artists have evolved a genre that uses a combination of abstract and floral patterns to decorate everything from walls to tiles and plates, whilst observing their particular traditions which include not representing the human form. By using colour, calligraphy, abstract shapes and flowers they have created a style that is instantly recognisable.
A distinctive feature of Ottoman art is the use of recognisable garden flowers (tulips, roses, hyacinths and carnations for example) in stylised motifs, like the ones on this Turkish plate.
The use of floral patterns complements and contrasts with the symmetry of abstract and geometrical designs, which are the patterns used most often in architecture and tiling. Although it isn't visible in this image, the pattern on the edge of the plate is repeated, which exemplifies the symmetry that is also a feature of Islamic art.
Ottoman Flowers
ODC, Floral
On my first visit to Istanbul, back in the 20thC, I fell in love with Islamic art, particularly as used to decorate ceramics and tiles. Islamic artists have evolved a genre that uses a combination of abstract and floral patterns to decorate everything from walls to tiles and plates, whilst observing their particular traditions which include not representing the human form. By using colour, calligraphy, abstract shapes and flowers they have created a style that is instantly recognisable.
A distinctive feature of Ottoman art is the use of recognisable garden flowers (tulips, roses, hyacinths and carnations for example) in stylised motifs, like the ones on this Turkish plate.
The use of floral patterns complements and contrasts with the symmetry of abstract and geometrical designs, which are the patterns used most often in architecture and tiling. Although it isn't visible in this image, the pattern on the edge of the plate is repeated, which exemplifies the symmetry that is also a feature of Islamic art.