Shamsa

In Islamic art, a shamsa (Persian: شمسه shamseh, Arabic: شمسة shums, Ottoman Turkish: شمسه [Turkish: Şemse]) is an intricately decorated rosette or medallion which is used in many contexts, including manuscripts, carpets, ornamental metalwork and architectural decoration such as the underside of domes.

It is characterized by the recurrent motifs present in Islamic art, such as the use of geometrical floral or vegetal forms in a repetitive design known as an arabesque.

[1] The shamsa is a meticulously designed painting representing many months of work by the calligrapher, who was a specifically trained master of such illuminations.

Although many similar rosettes had been produced in Persian manuscripts, the Mughal shamsa differs from them in having an element of three-dimensionality and a preference for warm colouring.

The inscription in the central panel reads "His Majesty Shihabuddin Muhammad Shahjahan, the King, Warrior of the Faith, may God perpetuate his kingdom and sovereignty".

Shamsa at the center of Ardabil Carpet . Iran , 1539-40. Victoria and Albert Museum
Shamsa in the frontispiece of the Ruzbihan Qur'an . Iran, c. 1550 . Chester Beatty Library
Shamsa bearing the names and titles of Shah Jahan . India , c. 1630-45. Metropolitan Museum of Art
Domed ceiling of the Tomb of Hafez , Iran