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Whether intended for domestic use or for the huge export market, Islamic art in China has a clear identity. This unique contribution, which had been overlooked by most art historians until recently, is now beginning to receive the attention it deserves. Calligraphy has always been a revered art form in China. This coincides with the Islamic ideal, although the results are often very different from other parts of Islam. The most distinctive works are calligraphic scrolls that take a traditional, Chinese approach.
The written word is found in many other Chinese Islamic media. These include the cloisonné wares that China started to create in quantity during the 15th century. The rich colours of the enamels make a vivid contrast to plain calligraphic belief. The same blending of cultures is evident in bronze altar vessels, originally made for traditional worship and then adapted to suit the tastes of Muslim patrons.
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