Early Islamic Art 2: Ceramics tell their Stories

Early Islamic Art

In this lecture series, we will look at material evidence from first seven centuries of the Islamic world, focusing on four key areas of artistic endeavour: architectural design, ceramics, metalwork, and the arts of the book.

Early Islamic Art 2: Ceramics tell their Stories

Ceramics were among the principal decorative arts of early Islamic material culture, their designs enriched by trade and a steady development of technology . Archaeological excavations of the city of Samarra revealed evidence of trade with Tang dynasty China, with corresponding innovations in pottery produced in Iraq and the Near East. We will also look at the invention of lustreware in Iraq, and the production of other unique styles further afield in Eastern Iran and Samarqand, including the famous Samanid dishes decorated with stylized Arabic calligraphy.

As the centuries progressed, different centres of production came to the fore, ranging as far afield as Spain, Egypt, Syria, and Iran, including Kashan, the foremost industrial centre between the 11th and the 14th centuries.

We will explore different styles of pottery and ceramics, and consider the stories they tell of the changing political landscape, global trade, and innovation, including the lasting impact of ceramic tile production on Islamic architectural design.

Practical Information:

The four standalone lectures that make up this series can be attended individually, according to your interest and convenience.

Comprehensive background notes, resources, and images accompany each lecture, which will be sent to participants separately.

Each lecture takes place on Zoom over two hours with a short comfort break at a convenient point. The lectures are presented with lavishly illustrated power-point presentations, and there will be time for comments and discussion.

Time Conversions: The Zoom lectures are transmitted from London, UK. If you are located out of the UK, please check your local time conversion. Bear in mind that after the 26th October, British time reverts to GMT, i.e. the clocks go back by one hour. Try to log in 10 – 15 minutes before the start time.