The art of the Ummayad Caliphate

The Ummayad Caliphate was remarkable for many reasons. It was the second caliphate in the Islamic history and one of the largest ruling empires known in all of history.

Ummayad art was very distinctive

Under the Umayyad Caliphate, the first School of the Islamic art was established. Art was influenced by Syrians, Sassanians (Iranians) and Byzantines producing this rich infuse of Artefacts where a lot of different art styles meet. These artefacts are, therefore, very difficult to date except the pieces written in Kufic (oldest typeface of the Arabic language) since it most certainly relates to the Islamic era.

Pristine artefacts of the Umayyad Caliphate are now displayed in The Museum of Islamic art in Cairo, Bab Al-Khlaq. The collection spans the floral, animal motifs as well as full on nature-inspired scenery.

The most impressive artefact of Umayyad Caliphate was the Ewer of Marwan Ibn Mohamed, found at Abu Sir. It is currently displayed in the museum of Islamic art in Cairo, precisely hall 2. This artefact has become predominant in the history of Islamic art and we dare say the world.

It is suggested that this ewer may have been used for washing and ablutions.

Ewer of Marwan Ibn Muhammed
 
This is the Ewer. It is related to Marwan Ibn mohamed the last Caliph of the Umayyad era. It is made of Molded Bronze, dated back from 1st-2nd century A.H. This ewer shows the influence of Sassanian art and is decorated with motifs including stars and crescents. There are also some Byzantium decorations. The motifs are represented both in high and bas-relief. Also, the tap of the ewer in the shape of rooster with wings in Roman tradition (can also be considered a symbol of Al-fajr prayer for Muslims.)


 

Sources:
A guide to the museum of Islamic Art, 1952.

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