Islamic art at the Met, NYC

[nycgirl]

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, one of the most renowned museums in the world, has a new reason to visit. It recently unveiled a new permanent exhibition after an ambitious eight-year-long project of renovation and restoration. Back in 2003 when the Met closed its Islamic galleries, the timing was unfortunate. Some wondered if perhaps the shut-down was in response to the attacks of 9/11, but this was not the case. Now the wait is over, and the public can now enjoy the monumental New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Later South Asia. Yes, the title is a pain in the ass to say, but it, like the installation, was carefully planned to emphasize the diversity of Islamic cultures across time and space.

The collection, made up of 1,200 works spanning more than 1,000 years, is one of the finest of its kind in the world. The photos from my little point-and-shoot don’t do it justice, but I’ll try. One of the first objects you see upon entering is this 10th century glazed earthenware bowl from Iran. The elegant calligraphy reads, “Planning before work protects you from regret; prosperity and peace.” Throughout the galleries are pieces that are beautifully decorated with the written word.



An enameled and gilded Egyptian bottle from the late 13th century.



This Moroccan court, specially commissioned by the Met, imitates grand palaces like the Alhambra in Spain. A tinkling fountain in the middle of the court gives the room an air of serenity.



The detailed arabesques on these arches are exquisite.



Here is an interesting video of the construction of the court. The Met brought over a team of artisans from Fez who create using centuries-old traditional techniques.



This 11-foot-tall mihrab, or prayer niche, from 14th century Iran was created by joining a myriad of cut glazed tiles. It is stunningly beautiful and one of my favorite works.



The niche is framed by Arabic inscriptions of sayings from Muhammad.

[nycgirl]

This is 30-foot-long “Simonetti” carpet, woven around 1500 in Cairo, is one of the most famous examples of its kind.



Over the carpet hangs the Spanish Ceiling, gilded and painted wooden panels with elaborately carved geometric patterns.



The arms and armor collection is impressive.



Would you consider your signature to be a work of art? Mine is just scribble, but for the tughra (official signature) of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, nothing less than a masterpiece would do. This wonderful creation of ink, watercolor, and gold on paper served as the official seal and was affixed to every royal edict. The highly stylized calligraphy combines the sultan’s name, the name of his father, his title, and the phrase “the eternally victorious.” Of course, the sultan didn’t really “sign” this, but had an artist do it for him.



This beautiful weapon was likely made for Sultan Suleiman. The 16th century saber from Turkey is made of steel inlaid with gold, and formerly had inlaid rubies on the hilt. The grip is covered with green-dyed fish skin and studded with golden nails.



The length of the blade is covered with Qura’nic inscriptions.



One of the highlights of the collection is the luxurious Damascus Room, an 18th century reception room that belonged to a wealthy family. Back then, just like today, wealthy people like to impress their friends, and this place, with its gorgeous marble floors, stained glass, and ornate woodwork, probably did the trick. The walls are painted with floral themes and Persian poetry verses and the shelves hold ceramics, glass objects, and other valuable possessions.





The room was designed to appeal to not just to the sense of sight, but also to sound and smell. The fountain provided the musically tinkling sound of water and burning incense perfumed the air when the owners welcomed their guests.

[lola]

Wonderful, nycgirl. Thank you!

[bixaorellana]

What a feast, NYCGirl, both visually and informatively. The delicacy and perfection of the work make it seem almost impossible that it came from the hand of man. The detailing on the arches, the joining of the tile pieces, the carpets, the calligraphy -- it's all so exquisite and inventive. The other thing that leaps out is how much of that art influenced Spanish art, from the time of the Moors until now, an influence that must have spread to other parts of Europe & certainly the Americas. Your explanations truly deepened the experience. Thank you!