Periods, Cultures, Styles  > Abbasid

Abbasid

A unified style of art developed during this period. Samarra is noted for its ornamental stucco, particularly the so-called "bevelled" manner of decoration. Highly valued Chinese porcelain was imitated by potters of the period. Production of decorative stone, wood and ceramic objects flourished. Artisans in Samarra developed a new method for carving surfaces that allowed for curved, vegetal forms (called arabesques) which became widely adopted. The use of luster painting (which gives ceramic ware a metallic sheen) became popular in surrounding regions and was extensively used on tile for centuries.