Unit Three: Geometric Design in Islamic Art

Textile fragment

Textile fragment (detail). 14th century. Spain

After reading this unit, you will be able to:

  • understand the role of geometric design in the art of the Islamic world
  • recognize ways in which the featured works of art exhibit repetition, symmetry, two-dimensionality, and an illusion of infinity

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One of the defining characteristics of Islamic art is its abundant use of geometric patterns to adorn a wide variety of architectural and decorative surfaces.

Primary characteristics of Islamic geometric design include repetition, symmetry, and two-dimensionality.

Read in-depth information about featured works of art related to this unit.

A list of resources for additional reading, with grade levels indicated

A list of sources used to compile the information in this unit

Unit Three Lesson Plan

Geometric Design in Islamic Art (Lesson Plan)

Students will be able to use a compass and straightedge to construct regular polygons; and recognize ways works of art from the Islamic world utilize geometric forms and relationships.

Jali (screen)

The lesson plan related to Geometric Design in Islamic Art features a sixteenth-century screen from India.