These items in the collection of the UAE’s Louvre Abu Dhabi demonstrate various aspects of Islamic artifacts.
1) Qur’anic verses
The frieze, from an Indian shrine, consists of 13 elements that reproduce Verses 18-24 of Surah 59 of the Qur’an, known as Al-Hashr, “The Gathering.”
2) Chinese influence
In attempting to imitate white-glazed Chinese ceramics, Abbasid potters succeeded in perfecting the first pieces of faience, or tin-glazed pottery, in the late eighth and early ninth centuries.
3) Luxury tableware
Used in sumptuous banquets, this platter attests to the settlement and success of artists from Mosul in Syria, Egypt and Iran between 1220 and 1260.
4) Poetic ceramics
The inscriptions on this typical Iranian Kashan-style jug are formulas and poetic verses in Persian and Arabic, wishing the owner a long life.
5) Arabic proverbs
This item, made for a cultured clientele, is decorated with proverbs (amthal) in Arabic. The technique suggests the work of an experienced calligrapher.
6) Decorative carpets
The Ushak carpet has a range of decorative possibilities, and association with religious worship and court protocol made it one of the emblems of the Islamic arts.