Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is in Doha, Qatar.  It features over 4,500 pieces of art that cover three continents and at least 13 centuries of time.

There are two floors of art exhibitions ‘The Language of Islamic Art’ and ‘The Journey of Islamic Art’.

‘The Language of Islamic Art’

This exhibition is broken down into 9 areas.  Introduction, calligraphy, writing in art, two pare figure in art, pattern, pattern in art, a two part science in art:

The Introduction lets the visitor know that the Islamic Artists aim is to make ordinary object beautiful by using design, decoration and craftmanship and the materials used range from simple pottery and clay to extravagant gems, jewels and gold.  The pieces in the introduction collection give an overview of all the items in the gallery.  They come from regions that span over 7,000 kilometers from Spain to India and over 1,000 years.

The Calligraphy exhibit features the language Arabic which has a special significance in Islamic Art and is the language of the Holy Qar’an.   Calligraphy balances movement with perfect form and has long been known as an art form.  The calligraphy exhibit features a large range of items including manuscripts, coins, ceramics and tiraz.

Writing in Art includes calligraphy,  specifically using calligraphy as a repetition to create pattern and design.  Frequently the repetition and design took over the object making it illegible but creating spectacular pieces of art.  Objects in this gallery date back as late as the 6th century and as early as the 20th century.  This exhibit not only includes the pieces of art created with writing but also the tools used to create them.

The Figure in Art exhibit has two parts to it.  Using animals and people, many believe that this has a religious significance and others yet believe it is blasphemous to try to match the creative power of God.

Pattern is the sixth element in the Islamic Language of Art exhibit.  The patterns represent a commonality of using similar object throughout all century’s.  All century’s use pattern of geometric design and floral.  You can tell when importing began because chinese designs joined the mixture of patterns.

Pattern in Art shows the application of patterns being placed together to create arabesque.  The arabesque is an elaborative application of repeating geometric forms that often echo the forms of plants and animals.  Arabesques are an element of Islamic art usually found decorating the walls of mosques.  Frequent repeated designs are circles, squares, stars and multi-sided polygons.

The last two areas in the ‘Language of Islamic Art’ exhibit is Science in Art.  It is said that the Islamic people inherited their scientific traditions from the Middle East, Greece, Persia and India.  These last tow galleries feature important scientific manuscripts and instruments and tools used in scientific experiments and thought.  The precision and intricate design of the instruments show how important the study of science was to the Islam culture.

‘The Journey of Islamic Art’

This exhibition is also broken down into 9 areas.  Egypt and Syria – 14th and 15th Century, Egypt and Syria – 12th and 13th Century, Iran and Central Asia – 12th to 14th Century’s, two part Early Islamic Art, Iran and Central Asia – 14th to 16th Century’s, Iran – 16th to 19th Century’s, India – 16th to 18th century’s and Turkey – 16th to 18th Century’s:

Egypt and Syria – 14th and 15th Century exhibit features art of the Mamluks.  The Mamluks were originally Turkish slaves that were known for their horsemanship.  Glass production flourished under their rein after they took over Syria and Egypt, naming Cairo as their capital.  In addition to glass, the Mamluks made intricate candlesticks, lamps and wasl basins inlaid with silver and brass.  Lastly, the Mamulek exhibit has carpets, ceramics and even fine leather bindings and metalwork. 

Egypt and Syria – 12th and 13th Century is the time of the Ayyubid Dynasty.  This time had Cairo and Damascus as the centers of art productions.  During this time art was created using ceramic, decorated glass, woodwork and jewellery.  These art pieces are said to represent the ‘refinement of the dynasty’s lifestyle.’

Iran and Central Asia – 12th to 14th Century’s art exhibit begins to show the influence of Chinese design including the lotus flower, the phoenix and dragons.  Painted objects and wall tiles became popular in this time and the influence of continental trade impacts the designs.

The Early Islamic Art exhibit has two parts.  The significance of this exhibit is that it begins to portray the growth of the large cities and the impact that trade and manufacturing had on wealth and prosperity of the people.  This shows that wealth began to disseminate amongst the soldiers, judges and others instead of stayign with only the rulers.

Iran and Central Asia – 14th to 16th Century’s was the time of the Timurids.  They were known for their art patronage. The ruler would gather artists from all around into one locationa nd commission ‘international art’.  The art of this time is known by it’s large size and extensive use of tilework.  This exhibit features architectural decoration, jewellery, tiles, manuscripts and metalwork.

Iran – 16th to 19th Century’s brought to the area architecture, poety and phillosophy as other forms of art.  The art of this time was luxurious carpets and textiles that were commissioned both for local use and for export trade.  As a result of export and trade European Art came to the area and began to become popular, namely oil-painting.

India – 16th to 18th Century’s art on display is primarily jewellery, jade, textiles and the art of bookmaking.  There are some fine original manuscripts and books on display along wit a very intricate perfume flask adn jewellery.

Turkey – 16th to 18th Century’s is the final exhibit, it spans over 300 years of Ottoman rulers.  The art of this time went so far as illustrated manuscripts, calligraphy, carpets, textiles and metalwork.  This time was best known for their commissioned work and for their colorful ceramics and tiles made in Iznik.

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art website is fun and even has an interactive area for children that includes printable pages, interactive games, an education area and some other great resources.  One thing I want to point out is at the very top of their screen you can send e-cards, download computer wallpaper and visit their giftshop and library.

The museum is open daily and has a few general rules such as no eating, drinking or smoking.  In addition, no oversized bags, video cameras or cell phones.

Here are two books that may interest you about Islamic Art:

• Beyond the Palace Walls: Islamic Art from the State Hermitage Museum
• The Treasures of Islamic Art in the Museums of Cairo

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