Eastern Medieval Art

The Alhambra is a fabulous fortress in Granada, Spain, built between 1248 and 1354. The name Alhambra is Arabic for "red" and may be derived from the color of the outer walls. Though the exterior of the fortress is square and even dull, splendid Islamic art and architectural design is notable in many interior rooms, courtyards and gardens.

An extensive article by Richard Hooker at Washington State University.

A dozen Tibetan manuscript covers from the Rossi & Rossi exhibition are displayed. Click the graphic to go to a page with a larger version of the image and more information.

This introduction to the artistic expression of Islamic culture by Elisabeth Siddiqui explores the Islamic view of the cosmos and religious faith in art.

Very nice online exhibit of manuscript works brought to China from the west and those brought back in return, at the Vatican Library.

Historical background and links to suggested reading and a timeline accompany several thumbnails, each leading to excellent photos of pottery and sculpture from 7th- to 10th-century China at the McClung Museum.

Half a dozen images from the Rossi & Rossi exhibit of Indian art are displayed. Note: four of the six larger images appear as broken-graphic icons, but additional text is available at each link.

Twenty stunning pieces, most pre-18th century, are displayed in this online exhibit from the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Click each image for a larger version and a little background info.

A nice photo and some background information on a sculpture from the tomb of an 8th-century nobleman, at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Exhibition at the University of Pennsylvania Musuem of Archaeology and Anthropology includes beautiful art pieces from the eighth century B.C. to the twentieth century A.D. Web page includes several gorgeous photos.