Human Representation
‘During later periods, figurative art manifested primarily in manuscript illustrations and ceramics.’
In later periods although the human form is still present, it does not occur with the same frequency as it had done in the art of the Umayyad period. During the Abbasid (132–750 / 923–1517), Fatimid, and in the periods following, figurative art was manifest primarily in manuscript illustrations and ceramics, where a broad variety of subjects both religious and secular, were addressed. Religious themes include the Prophet’s mystical journey and His Ascension. Secular subjects include scenes from daily life and expressions of the ruler’s splendour.
Dish

Hegira first half of 11th century / AD first half of the 17th century
Ottoman
Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities (Medelhavsmuseet)
Stockholm, Sweden
A dish with a male figure from the twilight period of the Ottoman ceramics industry in Iznik. Figurative depictions on Iznik ceramics were inspired by popular imagery.