Celestial Bodies
Handmade stoneware panel decorated with lustres in the style of 14th century Kashan tiles.
52x70cm ( framed).
I chose the theme of the zodiac as these celestial bodies are a depiction of the order and harmony that exists in the cosmos. The term astrology means the practical application of astronomy to human use. Historically astrological charts and treatise were highly valued and regarded. What you see here is based on the 14th century Arabic manuscripts ‘Kitab al- Bulhan ( Book of Wonders).
The pattern, the Nafas al- Rahman or Breath of Compassionate is a traditional tessellation of interlocking stars and crosses. It is a profound metaphor for the nature of reality and creation.
In Chinese tradition the eight pointed star is a way of concisely depicting the entirety of the universe.
Floating Stars
Handmade earthenware moulded tiles depicting the signs of the zodiac and decorated with glaze and lustre decorations inspired by 16th century Ottoman manuscript Zodiac Chart of Princess Fatimeh Sultan and 15th century Persian manuscript, Zodiac Chart of Prince Eskander Sultan. The borders have been handmade using the traditional cuenca y arisata technique.
31cm x 25cm
*( The description for each piece is a quote by Professor Michael Barry, from his coauthored book "Canticle of the Birds" )
