Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Farjam Collection

Celebrating a major collection of Islamic art, this volume spans the entire history of Islam to bring together items produced throughout the vast region between Andalusia and Mughal India   The Farjam Collection of Islamic, and Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern art, comprising over 5,000 artworks, is well known in the Middle East and to the cognoscenti but has remained unpublished until now. This volume examines around 350 highlights from the collection stretching from the seventh century to the early 1900s, introducing it as a major resource for scholars, students, and bibliophiles. The exceptional breadth of this collection spans the entire history of Islam, bringing together items produced throughout the vast region between Andalusia and Mughal India. Its treasures include Quranic manuscripts, miniatures, and illustrated books on science, mathematics, and poetry, as well as finely decorated metalwork, lacquer, glasswork, tiles, glazed pottery, woodwork, textiles, jewellery, and fine carpets. It explores the continuity, dialogue, and influences throughout centuries of Islamic art. Organized thematically with high-quality photography throughout, the book reflects current trends in the study of Islamic art through essays and entries written by eminent scholars.

Sheila Canby is curator emerita and former curator in charge of the Department of Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.