Colour, Light and Wonder in Islamic Art

This book offers a deep dive into the aesthetics of color in Islamic art, revealing its symbolic meanings and spiritual significance.

In Colour, Light and Wonder in Islamic Art, Idries Trevathan embarks on a fascinating exploration of the aesthetics of color within Islamic art, delving into its profound symbolic and mystical meanings. The book reconstructs the concepts of beauty and the role of art during the Safavid period, providing a critical resource for art historians, anthropologists, and students in the humanities. Trevathan argues that the experience of color in Islamic visual culture has often been overlooked, and he aims to shed light on this vital aspect of artistic expression.

The author presents a fresh perspective on the language of color in Islamic art and architecture, engaging with its aesthetic contexts to offer insights into the pre-modern Muslim experience of interpreting color. One of the key highlights is the examination of the Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, a stunning example of color use on a grand scale. Trevathan explores the philosophical and mystical traditions that influenced the mosque's design, revealing how the careful combination of colors and design proportions conveys knowledge that transcends the physical world.

Ultimately, Colour, Light and Wonder in Islamic Art posits that color serves as a spiritual language, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of Islamic aesthetics. By unveiling the deeper meanings behind color choices, Trevathan encourages a more nuanced appreciation of how art can reflect divine experiences and knowledge.