Arabesque: A Timeless Art Form Bridging History, Culture, and Design
Origin of Arabesque
The name Arabesque is a French term, which in turn comes from the Italian word arabesco which means ”in the Arabic style”. This style has had many names throughout history and depending on where in the world you are. Other words are rabeschi, moresque, foliage ornament and Islimi. But let’s stick with Arabesque here, the term that has been most commonly used since the 19th century.
source: personal visit to Qutub complex, the arabesque design on the walls.
Arabesque a style of art began over a millennium ago yet continues to captivate our minds today. It is a language of creativity that has crossed oceans and centuries influencing the majestic architecture of ancient mosques to the sleek designs of modern art forms. The origin of arabesque begins in the 8th century, within the islamic world, where artists expressed their spirituality and artistic mind without any depiction of human or animal forms. Instead they adopted the lush foliage designs, and created a deeply meaningful art form that are today seen on the walls of monuments standing testament to its time and reflection of worlds interconnectedness.
wing motif, stucco plaque, Sassanid period [ 224-642], New York, Metropolitan Museum Art.
source- google
Significance of Arabesque
The artists have used this motif to concretely symbolize the infinite. This motif has forms of geometric design which goes along with calligraphy. Richard Ettinghaus describes the motif “ vegetal design consisting of full and half palmettes as an unending continuous pattern in which a leaf grows out on the tip of another. To the adherents of Islam, the Arabesque is the symbol of their united faith and the way in which it views the world.
Ernst Herzfeld said : “ In German the word symbolizes the foliage ornament of muslim art; since the Baroque period it is applied to the ornament of that art in general. The word “ Moresque” properly refers to the art of Muslim Spain, which is seen in parallel to modern usage of the word “ Arabesque”. One of the possible origins of this motif is from the Persian art in Sasanid wing motif. Over the centuries the wing motif developed and was further styled that it lost its authentic style and became what is known today as “Arabesque”.
Modes of arabesque art :
The first recalls the principles that govern the order of the world. These principles include the bare basics of what makes objects structurally sound and, by extension, beautiful. In the first mode, each repeating geometric form has a built in symbolism ascribed to it. While the second mode of arabesque is based in the plant form, which also means a feminine nature.
arabesque on the exterior wall, tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula . source: google
Production Process
The turnout activity goes through various stages, first with preparing the drawings for the parts to be lathed, choosing the type and size of timber required, then installation on the lathe, printing the design on wood, drilling and shaping. After completing the drilling and formation of the wooden piece, this piece needs to be painted.Arabesque furthermore demands an expertise in other supporting arts such as engraving, ornamentation, calligraphy and painting.Among the basic tools for the production of ancient arabesque artifacts are wood, hammer, plywood, ivory, glue, paint and finishing materials, sandpaper, drawing paper,meter, and other traditional tools that may be relatively out-of-date.The many colors used in it give a special charm that distinguishes it from other arts. These forms are distinguished by the aesthetics of decoration, refined lines, and graceful and distinctive drawings. “Arabesque is one of the most stunning professions one can do, especially in the last part which is painting the wood in which we try to show its real beauty.
Arabesque in contemporary fashion
The renowned fashion house Balmain, established by Pierre Balmain, has notably embraced arabesque as a signature element in its collections. The brand frequently features this intricate pattern, making it a staple in their designs. In the spring-summer 2012 collection, Balmain showcased various interpretations of arabesque, including high-waisted cropped trousers for the bold and loose, pearl-colored trousers with a tone-on-tone glossy arabesque for a more understated elegance.Eastern motifs, with their elaborate ornamentation, vibrant colors, and distinctive cuts, have long captivated the fashion world. The enduring appeal of arabesque prints is evident as they continue to appear in the collections of renowned designers year after year.
Balmain collection 2012
source: pinterest
CONCLUSION
The intricate motif of Arabesque is testament to the aesthetic brilliance seen from the mughal monuments to the present day use in the pop culture showcasing its rich heritage and a remarkable craftsmanship of the artists, it stands testament to the bygone periods and acts as bridge between the medieval and modern times. Therefore it is apparent that the motifs of arabesque are the manifestation of religious and philosophical meaning which has gone through different times and is still evolving to identify their symbolism that is continuing to enrich our understanding in the present times.
Sources
https://www.britannica.com/art/arabesque-decorative-style
https://architecture4design.com/arabesque-and-islimi-motifs-definitions-history-and-patterns/
The Art of Islamic Pattern” by Carol Bier.
