Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

It is often thought that images of living beings are not represented in Islamic art. It is true to say that human and animal figures are not used in religious contexts, such as the decoration of religious buildings or manuscripts of the Qur'an. However, they are regularly represented in non-religious architecture and works of art.

Figures can carry symbolic messages, such as ideas of royalty and power, illustrate themes and stories, or be used as decorative patterns. While depictions in painting, on ceramics and on metalwork occur frequently, sculptured figures are rare in the Islamic lands.

Frieze tile with inscription and birds (EAX.3157)   Fragment of a large jar (EA1978.2253)   Fragment of a large jar (EA1978.2251)

Fragment of a large jar (EA1978.2507)   Page from a dispersed muraqqa‘, or album, depicting a courtier holding a wine cup (EA1978.2567)   Base fragment of a dish depicting a woman combing her hair (EA1978.1540)

Base fragment of a dish depicting a man wearing a turban (EA1978.2292)   Base fragment of a dish with two men on horse-back fighting a non-human creature (EA1978.2423)   Bowl with seated female figures (EA1956.108)

Dish with seated female figure against a foliate background (EA1956.52)   Casket with figural decoration (EA2009.23)   Bowl with figural and calligraphic decoration (EAX.1202)