This colourful tent panel is made up of very heavy appliqué coloured cotton. It is decorated with three main Islamic decorative motifs—calligraphy, geometric and floral motifs. As depictions of human beings or animals are discouraged in the religious context, geometric patterns and floral motifs are favoured. Geometrical designs are often used in Islamic art as they create the impression of unending repetition, which is believed to encourage contemplation on the infinite nature of God. As for calligraphy, it has always been considered the noblest art in the world of Islam as it transmits the Divine Revelations of God. As one of the main decorative forms in Islamic art, calligraphy can be found a variety of media—from manuscripts to large inscriptions on stone or on textiles.
