Ashmolean Islamic Art is one of the most important collections of Islamic art in the world. Located at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England, it contains over 7,000 objects ranging from the 7th century to the 19th century. The collection is an invaluable source of information about the history, culture, and art of the Islamic world.
History
The Ashmolean Museum has been home to Islamic art since the early 19th century. The first major acquisition of Islamic art was in 1876, when the museum acquired the collection of the renowned French art collector, Jacques-Joseph Chaffiot. Since then, the collection has grown steadily and now contains works from all over the Islamic world, including Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and Turkey.
Highlights of the Collection
The Ashmolean Islamic Art collection contains a wide range of objects, including calligraphy, ceramics, glass, metalwork, paintings, textiles, and woodwork. Some of the highlights of the collection include:
Calligraphy
- A 12th century Qur’an manuscript from Iraq
- A 15th century illuminated Qur’an from Iran
- A 15th century Ottoman calligraphic album from Turkey
Ceramics
- A 10th century glazed bowl from Iraq
- A 12th century lustreware bowl from Egypt
- A 15th century tile panel from Iran
Glass
- A 9th century lusterware glass bowl from Egypt
- A 14th century lusterware glass bottle from Iran
- A 15th century enameled glass bowl from Syria
Education and Outreach
The Ashmolean Museum offers a variety of educational programs and events to engage the public with the Islamic art collection. There are lectures, workshops, and courses for both adults and children. The museum also has an online resource center where visitors can learn more about the collection.
The Ashmolean Islamic Art collection is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history, culture, and art of the Islamic world. It is a testament to the richness and diversity of Islamic art and culture, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing this important cultural heritage.