<span><span><span>An encounter with the artistic heritage of Islam is characterized by two factors that make it very special: 1) the vast dimension of the areas involved, from Spain to Central Asia as far as China, and south to sub-Saharan Africa 2) its continuing influence through fourteen centuries of history. Within the great variety of structures and objects showing an Islamic aesthetic, some constants stand out: the most representative art is certainly calligraphy, with its numerous graphic variations, all of which have great visual impact. The ceramics with their extraordinary shapes and amazing range of colors, the metalwork’s damascening of precious materials and subtle details, the refined textiles that nearly constitute a separate art, and the carpets that illustrate a rich diversity in design form the portrait of an artistic culture at the highest level.</span></span><br /></span>