Islamic Art

Of all the visual arts, calligraphy has been most highly regarded as a fine art by
Muslims. The Arabic alphabet in various scripts, generally in combination with
arabesque ornament, became the most prized decoration for architecture and other
functional works, such as furniture, textiles, and vessels. Indeed, with the exception
of poets and calligraphers, Muslims have never looked to artists for special insights
or meanings. They have regarded the arts primarily as decorative based greatly upon
the study of mathematics, and involving intricately geometric designs.