2008/09/01 by Carol Bier · 30 citations
Arts and Humanities · Physics and Astronomy · Social Sciences · Mathematics · #Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies #Historical Astronomy and Related Studies #Eurasian Exchange Networks #Inscribed figure #Eleventh #Interpretation (philosophy) #Metaphysics #Reading (process) #Meaning (existential) #Argument (complex analysis) #Islamic philosophy #Philosophy #Islam #Literature #Epistemology #History #Art #Linguistics #Geometry #Mathematics #Theology
paper · doi:10.1080/00210860802246176
published in Iranian Studies 41(4), 491-509 (Cambridge University Press)
openalex publication_date 2008/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
This article seeks to develop an interpretation of ornament as geometric pattern that embodies metaphysical intent in Iranian monuments of the fifth/eleventh century. The proposed argument elucidates cultural meaning relevant to a particular time and specific place, with implications for broader application. 1 Reading geometric patterns as visual commentary, this approach relates the presence of patterns in art accompanied by a Qur'anic inscription to both the practice of pattern-making and the contemporary discourse concerning mathematics, philosophy, and the Islamic sciences in Iran. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of a passage from the Qur'an (59:21–24) inscribed on the tomb towers at Kharraqān, in which the Qur'anic term, amthāl , is taken literally to refer to the patterns executed on the monuments.