The Islamic world (Room 34)

The John Addis Gallery

7th century AD – present day

The term ‘Islamic’ is used in Room 34 to define the culture of peoples living in lands where the dominant religion is Islam. The displays explore Islamic faith, art, calligraphy and science, and Islam’s prominence amongst world cultures.

Objects such as gilded glass mosque lamps, tiles featuring calligraphic decoration, metalwork and early scientific instruments give a geographical and chronological view of the history and art of the Islamic lands. There is also a changing display of works on paper.

A special display of Islamic paintings The Good, the Bad and the Ugly will be in Room 34 until October 2008.

Image captions (clockwise from top left):

Pilgrim bottle AD 1241-42

Brass geomantic instrument, made by Muhammad ibn Khutlukh al-Mawsili AD 1241-42

Ceramic tombstone of Jalal al-Din Abd al-Malik about AD 1270

Earthenware bowl with kufic inscription 11th century AD