Early Islamic Art 3: Marvels of Metalwork

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 3: Marvels of Metalwork

Centres of production that supplied luxury metalware to the Persian and Byzantine Empires continued under the early Caliphs. We see examples of gilded silverware made in Iran, vessels of bronze and precious metals fashioned in Central Asia, and objects of brass from the Near East. In the centuries that followed the expansion of the Islamic world, new styles of metalwork evolved, with innovative technologies in design and manufacture.

We will explore new developments that emerged in the Near East in the 13th century with the influx of craftsmen fleeing the Mongol strikes of Central Asia and Eastern Iran. Craft centres in Western Iran, Iraq, Syria and Egypt produced objects like lamps and basins for courtly ceremony and pageantry, elite personal artefacts like pen-boxes and inkwells, and sophisticated scientific instruments like astrolabes and celestial spheres.

Finally, we shall consider the impact of Islamic metalware on the European luxury market, and its influence on the aesthetic sensibilities of Renaissance Europe.

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. These will be sent separately to participants.

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.