Buildings and Architecture – The Holy Mosque Masjid-e-Nabavi
Posted by in Mosque on August 4, 2011
Same sun rises every day, but the places are different to feel its warmth. It can rightly be said that there is scorching heat in Death Valley or in Libya but the people of Antarctic are always freezing. The sun rays are ever fastest to race with; you will never know where these come from and are gone. There are so many monuments, places, architectural wonders and skyscrapers–worth visiting, but very few become part of faith, piece of cult and religious significance. There are mosques, temples and synagogues, which are associated to beliefs.
Many times we are caught in immense obscurity-seek no way out. The mist prevails over everything. Light cannot be found and the reign of murkiness is invincible. But many are successful in winning the race with rays and find a door to peace, Babb-us-Salaam. Yes the entrance door of MASJID-E-NABVI in Al-Medina Al-Munawwarah. This holy mosque is situated in Madina, Saudi Arabia. It is a holy mosque for Muslims.
MASJID-E-NABVI is considered as the second holiest place in Islam. It’s the final resting place of beloved last prophet Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him). This Mosque is unique in architecture and design. MASJID-E-NABVI is the world’s second largest mosque, first largest being MASJID-UL-HARAM. Read the rest of this entry »
Medieval Tapestry Designs
Posted by in Medieval Home Decor on August 1, 2011
The Medieval period of history saw the blossoming of tapestry design into maturity. The Dark Age was characterised by simple designs of animals and birds, whereas the Middle Ages saw real art, design and beauty emerge in detail. Many designs and cartoons created at that time have retained a timeless popularity and remain in vogue even today.
The Detail And The Timeless Nature Of Medieval Tapestry
With the emergence of more detailed tapestry design the religious themes proved very popular. Used by churches to impart messages to the illiterate poor these wall hangings were exquisite masterpieces in themselves. Often featuring popular religious figures such as Christ, the Virgin Mary these were often shown in contemporary costume and with an imaginative perspective. Faces tended towards stern and serious expressions. Perspective developed through the Middle Ages as weavers with limited drawing skills developed artistic ability and detail.
As the Renaissance developed and the Medieval Period advanced a more scenic and secular view emerged in tapestry design. Some are quite spectacular, capturing life as it was at that time. The scenes were often crowded with adults, children were rarely seen. Features of daily life were depicted such as wine making, falconry and ladies sewing. Other subject matter included in a tapestry were mythological creatures and characters and nature itself in a burst of verdure. The crowding of scenes featured heavily with animals, buildings, people all crammed in. The War of Troy by Tournai designer Pasquier Grenier for example, is completely filled with people and vividly portrays the chaos and drama of the battlefield. Like a battlefield, when looking at the tapestry it is hard to know where to look first and who is friend or foe. Often the person commissioning the work would find themselves depicted as a character in the tapestry. It was almost as if a vibrant energy spun through these exquisite masterpieces sweeping life itself into their portrayal and forming a discussion piece in a palace or stately home.
Animals were popular in medieval designs and were usually dogs, horses and other domestic species. Sometimes mythological creatures such as the unicorn would feature in tapestry design. The Lady and the Unicorn Panels, now displayed in the Cluny Museum and used to portray the senses are a classical example of medieval work and the intertwining of mythology. A further example of late medieval tapestry is the Unicorn Tapestries which are delicate yet dramatic in design and thought to be an allegorical representation of the capture and death of Christ. With detailed floral decoration and mille fleurs these two series are classical examples of medieval design that have retained their popularity in the modern world and also demonstrate the skills and abilities of weavers in Europe at that time. Read the rest of this entry »