Luca Mozzati: Islamic Art

The Alhambra in Granada, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Kerman vase carpets from Iran, the Taj Mahal in Agra: from southern Spain to Africa and Central Asia to India, from the 7th century to the present day, Islam has inspired works of art large and small. "Islamic Art" by Luca Mozzati shows works of art from the Islamic world from fourteen countries and three continents in over 400 illustrations. Luca Mozzati is an art historian specialising in the art of Central Asia. In the first part, he explains the underlying principles of Islamic art, architecture, writing and craftsmanship; the main section deals with the art history of various regions, dynasties and peoples. Islamic architecture around elaborately designed mosques and mausoleums plays the main role in this book, but carpets and other textiles also have their place. Detailed background information explains the large colour illustrations.

In the back there is a glossary explaining basic terms from "Abacus" to "Mecca", "Medina" and "Palmette" to "Zoroastrianism". The most significant dynasties are also outlined again. An additional index would be helpful.

Luca Mozzati: Islamic Art. English-language. Prestel, Hardcover. GBP 29.99. ISBN: ‎978-3-7913-8566-2

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