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In Memoriam
In Memoriam - Members of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
Yavuz Sezer, Khaled Asfour, Jamal Abed, and Ghada Qaddoumi
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Fighting, Hunting, Impressing – Arms and Armour from the Islamic World 1500–1850, by Kjeld von Folsach, Curator Joachim Meyer and Curator Peter Wandel
The David Collection is happy to announce the publication of Fighting, Hunting, Impressing – Arms and Armour from the Islamic World 1500–1850, the book behind the exhibition of the same name, that will open at The David Collection in spring 2021 – Danish corona restrictions allowing – and run until autumn 2021 (check the museum’s website). The book and exhibition focus on the characteristics of Islamic arms and armour from 1500 to 1850, describing the role they played on the battlefield, in connection with hunting and as ornaments.
The vast majority of arms and armour was created for men, and the finest and most lavish specimens were not intended for either fighting or hunting but may be considered a kind of male jewellery and status symbols. Colossal amounts of technical skill and artistic creativity was put into the creation of these objects of beauty, all while retaining their utility as fully functional weapons.
The book’s introductory article examines the role played by fighting and arms and armour in the Koran, and how these relate to the rise and early spread of Islam.
Another article is about furusiyya, the chivalric code of the Islamic world. The concept covers both the practical education and moral edification that noble Islamic warriors of the time were expected to receive.
Arabic script plays a major role in the decoration of Islamic art in general. This also applies to arms and armour, and while many inscriptions come from the Koran, others may also reveal who made the weapons, when they were made and who owned them.
The history of collecting Islamic arms and armour, in the Islamic world and in the West, has many fascinating aspects that are also explored in this publication.
Finally, three articles provide broad insights into the three main contexts in which Islamic arms and armour were used: combat and war, princely hunts, and various ceremonies such as audiences and exchanges of gifts.
The large catalogue section presents and analyses a range of weapons, armour, helmets and shields. Originally created in an area extending from North Africa to India, these pieces have found their way into Danish collections from the seventeenth century onwards. Also included are a number of miniature paintings illustrating the various contexts in which arms and armour were used. An appendix contains translations of the objects’ numerous Arabic, Persian and Turkish inscriptions.
Many of the 151 items featured in the catalogue belong to the David Collection, but other museums and a private collector have also contributed extensively. All the works on display are beautifully reproduced in the book, supplemented by a large number of full-colour illustrations in the introductory articles.
About the authors
The book’s authors and editors are Director Kjeld von Folsach, Curator Joachim Meyer and Curator Peter Wandel – all three from the David Collection. The book also contains contributions by Professor Thomas Hoffmann, University of Copenhagen, and Will Kwiatkowski, an international scholar specialised in Islamic inscriptions.
English edition: ISBN 978-87-92596-10-9
Danish edition: ISBN 978-87-92596-28-4
Size: 296 pages, richly illustrated
Publisher: The David Collection in commission with Strandberg Publishing
Call for Papers
Special Issue: Rupture and Response, Abstracts due April 5, 2021
International Journal of Islamic Architecture (IJIA)
Thematic volume planned for July 2023 Abstract submission deadline: April 5, 2021 This special issue of the International Journal of Islamic Architecture addresses urban and architectural…
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Call for Applications - Indian Ocean Exchanges Program - Information Session March 29
Getty Foundation (Online)
Indian Ocean Exchanges is an art history research, fellowship, and travel program that aims to build a robust network of international scholars and professionals who are committed to advancing Indian…
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Call for proposals--HIAA Sponsored Panel at CAA 2022
Chicago
Dear HIAA Members and Colleagues, HIAA will sponsor a session at CAA’s Annual Conference in Chicago, February 16-19, 2022 (format to be determined). We are now asking for proposals for a complete panel…
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Discussing Islamic Art, Aesthetics, and Visuality, with Valerie Gonzalez - 9-11 March 2021
Oxford International Collaboration Centre, Azad University, Oxford, UK
For more information, see here.
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Mosques in Sub-Saharan Africa: Muslim Architectures - May 2021
The Aga Khan University
This two-day online course introduces participants to Muslim architecture in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following an introduction on Islamic architecture and mosques, the first session will explore mosques in…
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Medieval Eastern Mediterranean Cities as Places of Artistic Interchange-deadline March 8
SOAS London
The School of Arts at SOAS University of London is pleased to announce the launch of a new research seminar programme for young and early career researchers in the art and archaeology of the medieval eastern…
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Ceramics of Iran: Islamic Pottery in the Sarikhani Collection, by Oliver Watson with contributions by Moujan Matin and Will Kwiatkowski
The volume contains 242 pieces from the 8th to the 18th century CE, with introduction and commentaries by Oliver Watson, inscriptions transcribed and translated by Will Kwiatkowski, and transcription, new translation and commentary by Moujan Matin on two key mediaeval texts: the chapter on ceramic manufacture by Abu’l-Qasim Qashani (700/1301CE) and the chapter on recipes for lustre pigment by Jowhari Nishaburi from a manuscript of 592/1196CE
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HIAA Winter 2021 Newsletter
HIAA is pleased to share with its members the 2021 Winter Newsletter. It includes the President's New Year Letter, interviews of key scholars, notes from the field, and member news.
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