Unit 7 Required Works

Unit 7 Required Works: AP Art History Study Guide

Welcome, art aficionados and lovers of the past! Let’s embark on a colorful journey through West and Central Asian Art, ranging from 500 BCE to 1980 CE. Turn on your inner Indiana Jones, because we’re diving into a treasure trove of history, culture, and creativity! 🏺✨

This remarkable basin was created around 1320-40 CE by the artisan Mohammed ibn al-Zain and hails either from Egypt or Syria. Measuring 22.2 x 50.2 cm, this brass masterpiece is inlaid with silver and gold, showcasing detailed scenes of hunting, warfare, and courtly life. Picture it as the ancient world's comic book, etched into metal.

Imagine knights jousting, lords hunting, and folks partying hard—all reflected on a shiny basin that would make any medieval bathroom fancy. This piece now resides in the Louvre, Paris, but trust me, it’s not snobby. It’s more like a historical Snapchat story preserved in brass.

This Persian miniature painting from around 1330-40 CE depicts Bahram Gur, a legendary king, grappling with the Karg, a horned wolf-like beast. Created with ink, vibrant colors, gold, and silver on paper, this artwork leaps off the page with its intricate details. Think of it as a Medieval Pokémon battle, but with way more elegance.

Located in Iran, the painting is part of the Great Mongol Shahnama. Bahram Gur’s heroism and bravery against mythical creatures would give any superhero a run for their money. Spiderman? Pfft. Give me Bahram Gur any day! 🦸‍♂️🐺

Created in 1539-40 CE during the Safavid Dynasty, this Persian carpet is both luxurious and lavish. It’s like walking on history! The Ardabil Carpet, woven with silk warps and wefts and a whopping 25 million knots, features an intricate medallion design. Maqsud Kashani is the name inscribed on this masterpiece, although we’re unsure if he was the artist or just wanted eternal carpet fame.

Now, picture your grandma's favorite rug, but multiply its fanciness by a thousand. Found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, this carpet could give any modern interior designer serious envy.

Hold on to your sandals, folks! The Kaaba is a cuboidal building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and the most sacred site in Islam. Originally a pre-Islamic structure, it was rededicated by Prophet Muhammad in 631-32 CE. Adorned with a black silk curtain, known as the kiswah, embroidered with gold and silver calligraphy, the Kaaba is like the blinged-out MVP of religious monuments.🏴

Imagine a giant, elegantly wrapped present of spiritual significance, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. It’s like the world’s most earnest (and spiritual) Black Friday event.

The Jowo Rinpoche, a gilded bronze statue housed in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, is one of the most sacred Buddhist relics. Believed to be crafted during the Buddha's lifetime, this statue is adorned with semi-precious stones, pearls, and vibrant paint offerings. Talk about high fashion for divine beings! 👑

Think of it as the Mona Lisa of Buddhism—an absolute must-see with a spiritual fan base even bigger than Beyoncé’s.

Located in Isfahan, Iran, the Great Mosque, or Masjid-e Jameh, is a symphony in stone. Built over several centuries, it showcases a smorgasbord of architectural styles. With intricate tilework, awe-inspiring calligraphy, and geometric designs, it’s like the historical equivalent of a Pinterest board. 🕌✨

Imagine walking through a mosaic of history, architecture, and faith—perfectly capturing the essence of the city it resides in.

Created around 1522 and found in the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp I, this Persian miniature painting by Sultan Muhammad depicts the mythical first king, Gayumars, surrounded by his court. With intricate details and vibrant colors, it’s a snapshot of celestial royalty. The painting is like a Where’s Waldo book but set in a divine, mythical realm.

This artwork should come with a magnifying glass because the details are THAT intricate. Part of the Aga Khan Museum's collection in Toronto, it’s a visual feast for the eyes.

Petra, often called the Rose City, is an ancient marvel located in Jordan. Known for its rock-cut architecture and advanced water management system, Petra was an essential trading hub for luxury goods. Picture an ancient Met Gala taking place in buildings carved from pink sandstone. 🎨🏛️

Its most famous structure, the Treasury, is like an Insta-worthy destination that holds more secrets than a Hogwarts library.

The Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, created in the 6th century, once stood 175 feet tall before their tragic destruction by the Taliban in 2001. Carved into cliffs and surrounded by caves, these statues were monumental examples of Buddhist art. 🤯

Imagine two colossal Buddhas giving a side-eye to anyone who thought stone carving was easy. They were a snapshot of a cultural and spiritual heritage etched into the landscape.

This iconic Islamic shrine in Jerusalem flaunts a golden dome and ornate mosaics. Constructed in 691-2 CE, it’s one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture. Picture it as the crowned jewel of Jerusalem—a showstopper that takes your breath away. 🕌💫

It’s like the medieval architectural equivalent of a mic drop—stunning everyone into awe and reverence.

Imagine the meticulous artistry involved in the Folio from a Qur'an, created before 911 CE on vellum. The calligraphy, written in gold ink on blue paper, makes this page look like ancient bling. With verses of the Qur'an surrounded by intricate floral designs, it’s a masterpiece in the palm of your hand.

Think of it as a sacred tweet engraved in gold—a spiritual shout-out that has lasted centuries.

Before we wrap up this wild art history ride, here are some terms to keep in your art arsenal:

• Bahram Gur Fights the Karg: The Persian superhero going up against a mythical beast.
• Basin (Baptistère de St. Louis): A medieval party snapshot etched in brass.
• Dome of the Rock: The golden crown jewel of Jerusalem.
• Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh): The mosaic wonderland of Isfahan.
• Petra Treasury (Khazneh): The Rose City's Insta-famous rock-cut monument.

And there you have it! These artistic masterpieces from West and Central Asia are a testament to the creativity, spirituality, and craftsmanship of cultures spanning millennia. Remember, art isn’t just about beauty—it’s our link to the stories and souls of the past. So go forth and ace that AP Art History exam with the wisdom of these timeless treasures!

Now get ready to impress your friends, professors, and maybe even your local museum tour guide with your vast (and now humorous) art knowledge! 🎨🖼️🏆