Islamic Art in China
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The BA Islamic Civilization Studies Program, in cooperation with the House of Wisdom in China, has recently published Islamic Art in China, authored by Yang Guiping and translated by Dr. Ahmed Amin.
The book traces the history of Muslims in China, their architectural and artistic monuments, and their rituals. It is therefore rendered an introduction to the study of Islamic arts and architecture in China. The book is divided into three chapters and a conclusion. The first chapter focuses on the architecture and ornamentation of mosques in China, while the second chapter discusses the architecture of the khanqah, dome, mazar (mausoleum), and shrine. This chapter also tackles the local and foreign elements that influenced Chinese architecture during the Islamic period.
The third and final chapter highlights the art of calligraphy, religious manuscripts, and pottery, as well as an explanation of the evolution of the artistic and ornamental elements of antiques and architectural works.
The book concludes with a brief chronology of Chinese history going as far as the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The book includes footnotes; the author’s references, which revolve around Islamic art and architecture; and the references used by Dr. Amin.